The best tasting pear in the world : is there a future for the cultivation of Pyrus sinkiangensis in Sweden?

Abstract: Pears are next to apples one of the most important fruit crops of the temperate world but only a few cultivars are being produced. There is great genetic diversity within the genus Pyrus, and the wide dispersion of the species has created pears with many different traits and qualities. Commercially produced pears are divided into two groups, Occidental and Oriental pears, and production of the two groups is practically limited to each continent with few exceptions. The purpose of this study has been to explore through literature and research studies the characteristics and production methods of a Chinese pear with significant domestic importance, Pyrus sinkiangensis Yü. By comparing qualities with the common pear, Pyrus communis, the aim has been to identify arguments for an introduction of P. sinkiangensis Yü in commercial production in southern Sweden. The results of the study found evidence for disease resistance in the Oriental group, that may be advantageous in European cultivation. Another potential for P. sinkiangensis Yü in a European commercial environment may be the fundamental difference in ripening habits between the two groups. In comparison, the fruit of P. communis requires cold treatments to obtain optimum quality but P. sinkiangensis Yü is ready for consumption immediately upon harvest without loss in storability.