Common Pear (Pyrus communis)

The common pear (Pyrus communis) is a tree whose fruit is widely popular and grown all over the world. One way this fruit is unique is that it contains hard particles (called stone cells) within in its flesh that provides a gritty feel when eating. Common pear, when properly cared for, can have a life span of 50-75 years

I. Appearance and Characteristics

Pyrus communis, the common pear, is a species of pear native to central and eastern Europe, and western Asia.

It is one of the most important fruits of temperate regions, being the species from which most orchard pear cultivars grown in Europe, North America, and Australia have been developed. Two other species of pear, the Nashi pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) and the hybrid Chinese white or ya pear (Pyrus × bretschneideri, Chinese: 白梨; pinyin: báilí) are more widely grown in East Asia.

Some pear varieties are self-fertile and will produce fruit without growing another compatible variety close by. These are the best ones to choose if you only want 1 tree or only have room for 1 and include ‘Concorde’, ‘Conference’ and ‘Williams Bon Chretien’.

Other, non self-fertile varieties will need to be grown close to another different pear variety that flowers at the same time to help pollinate it and produce good crops of fruit. Even those described as self-fertile will crop much better if there are other suitable varieties growing nearby.

In most urban neighbourhoods another suitable tree should be within bee flying distance for this not to be a problem. In isolated gardens another variety from the same or adjoining pollination group will be needed for heavy cropping.

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

Common pear needs full sun to produce a good fruit set, so plant it in an open, unshaded spot in the garden. At least 8 hours of full sunlight per day it should receive. Some species and cultivars of Pyrus can stand under partial shade as well.

Temperature

Common pear is cultivated widely in temperate and sub-tropical climatic conditions as it is resistant to both cold and heat. It can tolerate temperatures low as -26 ℃when it is dormant ( for some species and cultivars of genus Pyrus this can be even lower) and high as 45 ℃ in the growing season. Frost in spring is detrimental, and temperatures of 3 ℃ and less can kill open flowers, leading to fewer fruits.

It prefers medium or slightly dry conditions and demands little on humidity or watering. It is quite drought-tolerant once it established, but it may not be the case with waterlogging, so a site on higher ground or one not prone to waterlogging will be favorable for it.

Watering

As a drought-resistant plant, your common pear does not need additional watering unless suffering from a long period of drought with heat. Common pear should be watered when it is young during dry spells, as with pot plant. Generally, potted ones need 2.5 cm of water per week. If this is hard to measure, water deeply once you see the topsoil is dry and slightly whitish. Let it dry out between watering intervals and avoid frequent watering which can lead to root rot.

Soil

Common pear grows in a wide range of soils, even sandy or chalky soils, but however, loamy soil can be the best. It does well in soils that are well aerated and well-drained, which is why they sometimes need slopes. Common pear also likes slightly acidic to neutral soils (6.1-7.3), especially soil with a pH near 7, although some other species and cultivars can grow well in slightly alkaline soil.

Fertilizing

Manure and fertilizers should be applied each year early in spring. Be careful with nitrogen-rich fertilizer as overloaded nitrogen can lead to vulnerability to diseases. Common pear is prone to boron deficiency, which can result in cracked or pitted fruits. When symptoms are observed a spray of 0.1% boric acid can be applied. If the soil is fertile, use less fertilizer.

Planting Instructions

Plant bare-root trees between November and March, and container-grown ones preferably in autumn, winter or spring.

Dig a hole 60x60cm (2x2ft) and 30cm (12in) deep. Add a layer of organic matter – such as compost or well-rotted manure – to the base of the hole and dig in. Place the roots of the tree in the planting hole and adjust the planting depth so that the old soil mark on the trunk is level with the soil surface.

Now mix in more organic matter to the soil and fill in the planting hole. Stake the tree with a rigid tree stake and two tree ties so that it is fully supported against the prevailing winds. Water in well, apply a granular general feed over the soil around the tree and add a 5cm (2in) deep mulch of well-rotted garden compost or bark chippings around the root area.Large patio pots (minimum of 40-50cm/16-20in in diameter) can be used to grow pear bush trees.

Pruning

If you buy a fully trained tree, pear trees need little in the way of pruning for the first few years. Beyond that, it pays to know what, how and why you’re pruning, as wrong or excessive pruning can lead to crop reduction. Most times all you need to do is remove dead, diseased, dying or damaged branches, branches that rub against each other and those that cross from one side of the tree to another.

If you constantly have to prune the top of the tree to reduce its height, then you’ve probably bought one growing on the wrong rootstock!

Pruning pear trees is pretty simple if you know a few basic rules:

• Free-standing trees: Prune in winter (December/January). Cut shoots back to about 4 buds to encourage new flowering and fruiting spurs to develop. Thin out excess spurs.
• Trained trees (espaliers, cordons and pyramids): Prune in late summer, when the new growth is cut back to 2 buds. They may benefit from a second prune in winter, when some of the older spurs can be thinned out.

Propagation

There are various methods used to propagate common pear. You can collect seeds from mature pears, and you are recommended to prepare more seeds as the germination rate is low. Dry the seeds, wrap in wet paper towels in groups of 3, put the towels in seal bags, and place them in a dark but warm place to germinate. You can check every 15 days to see if you need to wet the towel again. plant those germinating seeds in pots and place them where sunny and warm. Keep the soil moist and wait for them to grow until you can transplant them into your garden.

If you think this is complicated, sow the seeds directly in the ground in winter also works. However, you can expect an even lower germination rate.

You can also do the grafting. Buy a rootstock for grafting if you are aiming at fruits. Grow your rootstock with seedlings. Grafting is best done from late winter to early spring.

Pests and Diseases

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Ah, the joys of tending to your garden can sometimes come with challenges, especially when it comes to pear trees. Let’s delve into the world of common pests and plant diseases that might threaten your beloved pear tree. Armed with knowledge, you can protect your tree and ensure a fruitful harvest.

• Aphids

Aphids, those minuscule, sap-sucking insects, can wreak havoc on pear trees. These little troublemakers gather on the leaves and tender shoots, causing them to distort and turn yellow. Aphids not only weaken the tree but also excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold. Combat these critters by spraying your tree with a strong jet of water, introducing natural predators like ladybugs, or using insecticidal soap.

• Fire Blight

Fire blight, caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, is a nightmare for pear trees. This disease leads to wilting, blackening, and a scorched appearance in blossoms, shoots, and branches. To prevent its spread, promptly prune infected parts and sanitize your pruning tools. Copper-based fungicides applied during the dormant season can offer protection, but the key is vigilance; remove affected branches promptly and dispose of them far from your garden.

• Pear Rust

Pear rust, caused by the fungus Gymnosporangium sabinae, creates intriguing orange spots on pear leaves. It’s a fascinating sight but a potential threat. The fungus, which usually originates from juniper trees, can affect pear trees in humid conditions. To combat pear rust, ensure proper air circulation around your tree by pruning neighboring plants. Fungicidal sprays containing copper can also prevent its spread. Regular inspections and quick action are your best allies against this artistic yet troublesome disease.

• Codling Moths

These sneaky creatures target the fruit directly. Their larvae tunnel into the pears, leaving behind a trail of destruction. To protect your harvest, place pheromone traps in your garden to disrupt their mating cycles. Wrapping the developing fruits in special bags can also safeguard them from these insidious invaders. Natural predators like birds and beneficial insects can be encouraged to keep the codling moth population in check.

• Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew, the ghostly white substance you sometimes spot on leaves, is caused by various fungi. It weakens the pear tree by inhibiting photosynthesis and stunting growth. Pruning to ensure good air circulation, regular applications of neem oil or sulfur-based fungicides, and choosing disease-resistant pear varieties can help you ward off this eerie foe.

Common Plant Problems

Pear trees, while resilient, sometimes face challenges that can affect their health and productivity. Let’s explore these common plant problems and discover practical solutions to keep your pear tree thriving and bearing delicious fruits.

• Lack of Fruit Production

One of the most frustrating issues pear tree owners face is a lack of fruit production. Several factors can contribute, such as poor pollination, inadequate sunlight, or nutrient deficiencies. To address this, consider planting more than one pear tree to ensure cross-pollination, providing at least six hours of sunlight daily, and fertilizing the tree with a balanced fertilizer. Regular pruning also encourages healthy growth and ample fruiting. By addressing these factors, you can encourage your pear tree to yield a bountiful harvest.

• Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves on your pear tree can signal various problems, including nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or pests. To pinpoint the issue, assess your tree’s care routine. Ensure it receives appropriate water, especially during dry periods, and feed it with a balanced fertilizer to address nutrient deficiencies. Pests like aphids or spider mites might also be the culprit, so inspect the leaves for signs of infestation. If pests are the problem, consider natural remedies like neem oil or introducing beneficial insects to keep them in check.

• Root Rot

Root rot, caused by overly wet soil conditions, can silently threaten your pear tree’s health. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and a general decline in the tree’s vigor. To prevent root rot, ensure your pear tree is planted in well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering, especially in clay-heavy soils that retain moisture. Adequate soil drainage is key to keeping the roots healthy. If you suspect root rot, it’s crucial to act swiftly. Improve drainage if necessary and consider fungicidal treatments to combat the disease.

• Sunburned Fruit

Sunburned fruit can occur during hot summer days, especially on young, tender pears. The scorching sun causes the fruit to develop unsightly brown patches. To shield your pears, consider using lightweight cloth covers or providing temporary shade with umbrellas. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree helps retain soil moisture and regulates soil temperature, reducing stress on the fruit. Regular watering, especially during heatwaves, ensures your pear tree remains hydrated, preventing sunburn damage.

• Uneven Ripening

Sometimes, pear trees exhibit the quirk of uneven ripening, where some fruits ripen faster than others. This phenomenon often occurs due to varying sunlight exposure or airflow around the tree. To tackle this, prune the tree strategically to allow equal sunlight penetration to all branches. Thin out dense areas to enhance airflow, ensuring consistent ripening. Additionally, keep the tree well-watered and adequately fertilized to support uniform fruit development. By creating balanced conditions, you can enjoy a simultaneous and delicious harvest.

III. Uses and Benefits

Ornamental uses

The common pear tree can be a lovely addition to a landscape or garden. Primarily grown for its fruit, it is not often used as an ornamental. Common pear trees will, however, produce lovely flowers and provide a nice shaded area in the lawn. It can make a wonderful addition as a border tree to provide privacy as well since its branches and leaves grow quite densely. Common herbs, allium, and clover are great companions.

Medicinal uses

• Pear contains antioxidants that may be good for liver function. In a study, it was found that pear fruit seed extract decreased oxidative stress in the liver. Additionally, pear may protect against liver damage caused by heavy metals.
• Pear helps manage blood sugar levels.
• Pear fruit extract’s phytochemicals may lower blood glucose when taken orally. The extract may affect plasma or pancreatic insulin.
• Pear extract inhibits defensive properties against urinary tract bacteria. The extract from the leaves may serve as an uro-disinfectant to treat UTIs.
• The consumption of pears may assist in the prevention of osteoporosis, a disorder that results in fragile and brittle bones, and in the maintenance of calcium levels in the body.
• Pears also possess antimicrobial properties.
• The cooling effect of pear may be due to its high concentration of antioxidants, which may play an important part in the process of growing the immune system. If you have a fever, drinking pear juice may help to bring down your temperature.

Culinary uses

• The fruit can be consumed either raw or cooked.
• When not bletted, the fruit of wild pears frequently maintains a highly firm consistency. It works well in baked goods like pies and the like.

IV. Harvesting and Storage

• Harvesting Ripe Pears

Harvesting pears is an art that involves a delicate balance between timing and gentleness. These luscious fruits need to be plucked at the right moment to ensure their full flavor and sweetness. So, let’s dive into the world of pear harvesting, where your patience and attention to detail will be richly rewarded.

When determining if your pears are ready for harvest, the key is their color and firmness. Different pear varieties have unique hues at their peak ripeness, but in general, a slight change in color from green to yellow or red indicates ripeness. A gentle press near the stem will tell you if the pear is ripe; if it yields slightly, it’s ready to be picked.

To harvest, use a gentle twisting motion when you pick the pear. Avoid pulling, as this can damage the tree. Always handle the pears with care to prevent bruising, which can lead to spoilage during storage. If a pear is still hard but has reached its full color and is beginning to yield slightly to pressure, you can pick it and allow it to ripen indoors at room temperature. Keep in mind that pears ripen from the inside out, so they may still be firm when perfectly ripe.

• Storing Pears

Now, onto the art of storing pears. Ideally, pears should be stored at room temperature until they reach your desired ripeness. Once ripe, they can be transferred to the refrigerator to prolong their freshness. If you have an abundance of ripe pears, consider preserving them. Pears can be canned, made into jams, or dried for long-term storage.

When storing pears, keep them separate from strong-smelling fruits, as they tend to absorb odors. You may also choose to store your harvested pears with an apple or banana — fruits that are more prone to releasing ethylene gas, which accelerates the ripening process. Check your stored pears regularly and remove any that show signs of ripening to prevent overripening and spoilage of the entire lot.

Find Where to Buy the Best Common Pear (Pyrus communis)

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