Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
began commercial plantings. Thanks to a greater understanding of the cul-
tural practices required and greater care of the fruits, it is now feasible to
produce Asian pears in North America. Consumers' recognition of, accept-
ance of, and demand for Asian pears are increasing in North America, but
Asian varieties still represent a very small percentage of commercial and
home pears. Although more than 3,000 named varieties exist in China, rel-
atively few Asian pear varieties are commercially available in North Amer-
ica. The results of taste panels in the United States suggest that consumers
prefer round, green- to yellow-skinned varieties best. Suggested Asian pear
varieties appear in
table 5.6.
➔
Temperature concerns.
A key concern with Asian pears is their limited cold
hardiness: Asian varieties tend to be less cold-hardy than European pears.
Most varieties are recommended for USDA Zones 5 to 9. Some nurseries rate
'Hosui', 'New Century', and 'Starking Hardy Giant' to Zone 4. Asian pear vari-
eties typically require about 450 chilling hours at 32° to 55°F (0 to 13°C) or
less to break dormancy. In Washington State University trials, the greatest
challenges to growing Asian pears were susceptibility to disease and too
short a growing season to mature the fruits of some varieties.
Susceptibility to frost can be troublesome on all pears, and particularly
on early-blooming Chinese varieties 'Ya Li', 'Tsu Li', and 'Seuri', which bloom
10 to 14 days before 'Bartlett' in California. Later-blooming Asian varieties
bloom around the same time as European pears, which tends to be earlier
than apples. Asian pears typically ripen from August through October, de-
pending on variety and location. Be sure to select varieties that will ripen in
your area.
Pollination.
Generally, Asian pears are partially self-fruitful, but they set lar-
ger and better crops when cross-pollinated. The varieties '20th Century' and
'Shinseiki' can be planted alone in large blocks under ideal conditions (like
those in California), but cross-pollination is recommended in areas with cool
springs.
