ARS | Publication request: Pyrus L. Pear

Submitted to: The Woody Plant Seed Manual
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: November 19, 1995
Publication Date: January 20, 2008
Citation: Hummer, K.E., Postman, J.D. 2008. Pyrus L. Pear. In: Bonner, F.T. and Karrfalt, R.P., editors. The Woody Plant Seed Manual. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office. p. 922-927.

Interpretive Summary: Pears are trees in the Rose family. These plants probably originated in the mountains of western and southwestern China and spread to the east and west. Pears were first cultivated about 3000 years ago. More than 24 species of pears are recognized by botanists. The procedures to collect fruit, and extract, store, and germinate the seed of these species are described. Pear and seed usually require several months of refrigeration in moist conditions before they will germinate. Cultivated varieties are propagated commercially by grafting onto rootstocks.

Technical Abstract: Seed properties for the genus Pyrus (Pears) are described. This genus of the family Rosacea probably originated in the mountain regions of western and southwestern China and spread to the east and west. Cultivation of pears was first mentioned about 3000 years ago. About 24 species and subspecies of pears are described. Procedures to collect fruit, and extract store, and germinate seed of these species are described. The seeds for this genus generally require several months of moist prechilling prior to germination. Cultivated varieties are propagated commercially by grafting onto rootstocks. Certified varieties are propagated commercially by grafting onto rootstocks. Certified virus-free plant material is recommended for propagation for commercial uses.