BARTLETT

Bartlett has been the major pear variety planted in B.C. Difficulties in controlling pear psylla, declining markets and poor returns have reduced interest in Bartlett. Susceptible to fire blight.

Planting Trend- Declining. Some blocks of Bartlett have been removed.

 

 

 

ANJOU

Anjou has been the main winter pear grown in B.C. for many years.

Planting Trend- Declining.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOSC

Bosc matures about 20 days after Bartlett. The tree is vigorous and productive. Stony pit virus is common in Bosc and disease free propagating wood is important. Bosc is a high quality pear and interest is increasing. Susceptible to fire blight.

Planting Trend - Increasing. Small plantings are being established.

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER PEARS

CONCORDE

CANADIAN PLANT BREEDERS RIGHTS APPLICATION # 94 276

Bred in the U.K., a cross of Comice x Conference Contact PICO concerning availability. This variety is very susceptible to Fire blight. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AC™ HARROW SWEET

Bred in Ontario, fire blight resistant, high eating quality, matures 3 weeks after Bartlett.

Other varieties generating some interest are Comice, Conference and Aurora.

 

 

 

RED PEARS

Planting of red pears has stabilized. No significant plantings have been established in B.C. The market has not paid the premium prices for red pears that were anticipated.

Some red varieties of interest include:

STARKRIMSON

Also known as Kalle and  Red Clapp’s Favorite, has excellent eating quality. Short storage potential.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RED SENSATION BARTLETT

Considered to be the most promising red Bartlett.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REIMER RED

This is a Comice and Max Red Bartlett cross with excellent dessert quality fruit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASCADE

Another Comice and Max Red Bartlett cross that has large fruit with good yields. Dessert quality is also considered to be excellent. Cascade marks easily.

ASIAN PEARS

Interest in Asian pears has also stabilized. Very few have been planted in B.C. Although Asian pears tend to be more precocious than European pears, yields are lower. Asian pears mark very easily. The varieties that are proving to be the best for the Cashmere area (quite similar to the Okanagan) in Washington State are Hosui, Kosui, Shinseiki, Chojuro, 20th Century, and A-Ri-Rang.