Submitted to: Good Fruit Grower
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: August 24, 2012
Publication Date: September 1, 2012
Citation: Einhorn, T., Castagnoli, S., Turner, J., Bell, R.L. 2012. An exciting new European pear cultivar is coming. Good Fruit Grower. 63(14):25-26.
Technical Abstract:
US 71655-014 is a fire blight resistant, European pear selection selected at the USDA-ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station in Kearneysville, WV. The tentative name is ‘Gem’. It has been extensively tested at the Oregon State University’s Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Hood River over the past 10 years and may be of interest to pear growers looking for new varieties to plant. It can be consumed fresh at harvest with crisp, juicy texture and sweet, but mild flavor more similar to an Asian pear than a European pear. Following cold storage and ripening at room temperature; however, fruit softens and develops typical ‘pear’ flavors. Appealing attributes include precocious fruit bearing, high and consistent annual production, attractive fruit appearance, long storage life, and good consumer acceptance. One potential drawback, medium fruit size, can be overcome by suitable thinning. The selection has a three week harvest window, and storage and quality are not affected by late harvest, while fruit size increases to 259 grams.
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