Cultivation of Pear (Pyrus communis L.)

Botanical Information

• Botanical Name: Pyrus communis
• Family: Rosaceae
• Chromosome Number: 2n = 34
• Type of Fruit: Pome
• Edible Part: Thalamus
• Pollination: Mostly cross-pollinated
• Climacteric Nature: Climacteric fruit (continues to ripen after harvesting)

Origin and Distribution

• Origin: Europe and Western Asia
• Widely cultivated in temperate and sub-temperate regions.
• In India, grown in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Nilgiris.

Varieties: The commonly cultivated varieties of pear include:

• Common Pear
• Kieffer
• New Pear
• William
• Jargonelle

Each variety has distinct characteristics and suitability to different climatic and soil conditions. For example:

• Kieffer and New Pear are relatively high-yielding,
• Jargonelle and William produce slightly lower yields but are valued for their flavor.

Soil and Climate Requirements

• Soil Type: Red laterite soils with good drainage and high organic matter content are ideal for commercial cultivation.
• Soil pH: Preferred range is 5.8 to 6.2
• Elevation: Pear can be grown well at elevations above 1200 meters above mean sea level.
• Climate: It prefers a temperate to sub-temperate climate, suitable for mid-hill and high-hill regions.

Planting Material; Use one-year-old grafts or rooted cuttings for planting to ensure good establishment and early bearing.

Planting Season; The ideal time for planting is from June to December depending on climatic conditions and soil moisture availability.

Spacing and Planting Method

• Spacing: Adopt a spacing of either:
  • 5 m × 5 m or
  • 6 m × 6 m depending on variety and growth habit.
• Pit Size: Dig pits of 60 cm × 60 cm × 60 cm
• Planting: Grafts are placed at the center of the pits, ensuring the graft union is above the ground level.

Manuring and Fertilization

• Apply the following per bearing tree per year:
  • Farmyard Manure (FYM): 25 kg
  • Nitrogen (N): 500 g
  • Phosphorus (P): 1 kg
  • Potassium (K): 1 kg

This ensures optimal nutrition for fruit development and regular bearing.

Training and Pruning

• Training: Use the open-centre system, which allows better light penetration and air circulation.
• Pruning: Carry out pruning annually in November–December to maintain tree shape and productivity.
• Top Working: Improve old or unproductive trees (especially country pear types) by cleft grafting with superior varieties during December–January.

Plant Protection

• Pests and Diseases: No major pests or diseases are commonly observed.
• Preventive Measures:
  • After pruning, apply prophylactic sprays of:
    • Copper fungicides (for fungal protection)
    • Methyl demeton (for insect control)

This ensures protection during vulnerable stages like post-pruning recovery.

Harvesting

• Harvest Time: Depends on the variety:
  • Early Varieties: May – June
  • Late Varieties: July – October

Fruits should be harvested when they are mature but still firm to allow ripening during storage and marketing.

Yield

• Common Pear: 100–120 kg/tree/year
• New Pear & Kieffer: 70–80 kg/tree/year
• Jargonelle & William Pear: 30–40 kg/tree/year

This yield variation reflects genetic potential and suitability to agro-climatic conditions.

Special Features

• Grows well in hilly regions with adequate chilling hours.
• Requires minimal plant protection measures.
• Offers good returns with proper training, pruning, and management.

Conclusion

Pear (Pyrus communis) is a valuable temperate fruit crop suitable for mid- and high-altitude regions. Its adaptability to red laterite soils, moderate input needs, and relatively low pest/disease incidence make it ideal for commercial cultivation. With proper training, pruning, and timely plant protection, pear can offer good economic returns to orchardists.