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Oct. 07, 2024
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Asian Pears
Small Farm Center, University of California, Davis, CA
January
By James A. Beutel
Extension Pomologist
University of California, Davis
Asian pears are a large group of pears noted for their crisp texture. When mature, they can be eaten right after harvesting or stored for several months in cold storage. This ready-to-eat feature makes them more favorable for some consumers compared to European pears, which are usually served soft and juicy after a week out of cold storage. Unlike European pears such as Bartlett or Comice, Asian pears maintain their texture after picking and storage. Often referred to as apple pears, they share the crispness and juiciness of apples but offer a unique texture. They are also called salad pears, Nashi (Japanese for "pear"), Oriental pears, and Chinese or Japanese pears (Nihonnashi). Today, all Asian pears are selected seedlings or hybrids within the species Pyrus serotina.
Commercial cultivation of Asian pears has lasted for centuries in Asia. Japan grows approximately 500,000 tons and exports some fruit to the United States in October and November. China and Korea also cultivate these pears for domestic use and export to the United States and Canada.
Production Areas and Acreage
Most new Asian pear plantings in California are located in Fresno, Tulare, and Kern Counties. Older plantings exist in Placer and Sacramento Counties, with limited new plantings in the Sacramento Valley. Some are found in Yakima and Wenatchee, Washington, and in Hood River and Willamette Valley in Oregon. In recent years, plantings of Asian pears have expanded to New Zealand, Australia, Chile, France, and regions of the eastern and southeastern United States.
It is estimated that around 4,000-5,000 acres of Asian pears are planted in California, Oregon, and Washington. Most trees are just beginning production since many recent plantings began. Annually, about 100,000 trees (500 acres) of Asian pears have been planted in California.
Rootstocks
All Asian pear varieties can thrive on Pyrus betulaefolia, P. calleryana, P. serotina, P. ussuriensis, and P. communis (Bartlett, Old Home x Farmingdale, or Winter Nelis seedling) rootstocks. Typically, P. betulaefolia is preferred for its vigor, large fruit, and tolerance of wet soils, although its cold-hardiness can vary based on seed source. All rootstocks perform well in California and the warmer winter regions of Oregon, but specific cold-hardy strains of P. betulaefolia are necessary in Washington. Most Japanese pear varieties are dwarfed by about 50% when grown on P. communis rootstock, which is why California growers and nurseries prefer P. betulaefolia for its vigorous trees that easily size their fruit. Chinese Asian pear varieties, like the YaLi variety, grow well on either P. communis or P. betulaefolia rootstock. In Japan, all Asian pears are propagated on P. serotina or P. betulaefolia. The use of P. betulaefolia prevents hard-end issues, a problem common where P. serotina is utilized as rootstock for Japanese pears. P. serotina or P. ussuriensis are cold-hardy to -40 F and could serve as an Asian pear rootstock across all West Coast fruit districts, should a reliable seed source be accessible to nurseries. P. calleryana, while suitable for Asian pear rootstock in California, lacks winter hardiness for most regions outside of California.
Varieties
Asian pear varieties are plentiful, with over 25 known in California and hundreds recognized in the Orient. Selecting the best varieties for planting and future sales is a challenge for all involved in this crop. A few important varieties available in California include some with indicated ripening dates for Davis, California. In Fresno, ripening occurs about 7 days earlier; in Oregon and Washington, ripening takes place approximately 21 to 30 days later.
Pollination
Asian pear varieties are partially self-fruitful, but planting two or more varieties together yields better crops. In Fresno and Tulare counties, 20th Century and Shinseiki varieties produce a good crop when grown alone in large monoculture blocks. In cooler areas at bloom time, cross-pollination from either European or other Asian pear varieties becomes necessary. Cross-pollinated fruit containing seeds are typically larger and more uniformly round than fruit with few seeds due to inadequate pollination.
No definitive guidelines exist regarding the proximity of pollinizers or the use of bees for Asian pears in California. It is recommended that every 4 to 8 rows of a single variety be accompanied by a pollinizer row, or that growers plant a block of 4 to 8 rows of a second variety adjacent to the first variety. Bees can be introduced at a density of one to two hives per acre. Early-blooming varieties like Ya Li, Tsu Li, and Seuri are compatible and should be planted together. Later-blooming varieties comprise most Japanese and hybrid selections. Notably, Niitaka variety is pollen-sterile, while Kikusui does not pollinate 20th Century. Seigyoku and Ishiiwase are poor pollenizers, but most other varieties can effectively pollinate each other. Excessive pollination may require additional fruit thinning for proper sizing.
Bloom Period
The early-blooming Chinese varieties Ya Li, Tsu Li, and Seuri bloom 10 to 14 days before Bartlett. In California's San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys, these early-blooming varieties reach full bloom in early to mid-March. They are the first pears to bloom, thus at greater risk for frost damage. The earliest flowering Japanese variety, Chojuro, blooms simultaneously with Anjou and Winter Nelis. Late-blooming Japanese varieties include 20th Century and Okusankichi, both reaching full bloom with Bartlett. Most years, the final third or half of Chojuro's bloom overlaps the initial third or half of the 20th Century bloom. Japanese and Chinese hybrids, Shin Li and Dasui, developed at the University of California, bloom late in the Japanese flowering season, leading to adequate inter-pollination among most Japanese pears. While early Chinese types can effectively overlap each other, they seldom provide enough overlap to ensure adequate pollination with Japanese or European pear varieties in California. In Washington State, a favorable report details that the early flowering D'Anjou variety is well pollinated by 20th Century and other Asian pears.
Winter Hardiness
Asian pear trees, such as the 20th Century variety, possess a winter hardiness comparable to Bosc pears, tolerating temperatures of approximately -20 F. However, they are less hardy than Bartlett and Anjou varieties. The cold tolerance for Asian pear rootstocks varies: P. calleryana withstands 10 F, while P. betulaefolia tolerates 0 F to -10 F, and P. communis and P. serotina can endure cold down to -30 F.
Spacing and Planting
No standardized spacing exists for Asian pears on the West Coast of the United States. Planting configurations range from 7.5 by 15 feet (380 trees per acre) to 15 by 20 feet (140 trees per acre), influenced by soil quality, rootstock choice, and grower preference. Typical spacing approximates 200 trees per acre, with a recommended pattern of 12 feet apart in rows and 17 to 18 feet between rows, facilitating both long-term production and minimal crowding of trees.
Large, ten-year-old trees in Davis and Winters, California, may cover a soil area of 150 to 225 square feet. Conversely, smaller, dwarf-type trees on P. communis rootstock occupy a soil area of 25 to 49 square feet. Adequate spacing is necessary for sufficient light penetration and the effective use of orchard equipment. Consequently, plantings of 145 to 200 trees per acre are advised for vigorous varieties and rootstocks, while dwarf trees should be spaced at 300 to 400 trees per acre.
Training and Pruning
Typically, Asian pears are trained to a vase shape in California. This is commonly achieved by heading nursery trees to a height of 25 to 30 inches upon planting, followed by selecting 3 to 4 main limbs in the first year and heading these new limbs back by 50%. This allows for 12 to 24 inches of future growth based on the initial limb length. As a result, 6 to 10 secondary limbs form, each headed between 30 to 36 inches long in their second dormant season. Once production begins (the third season), limbs are allowed to extend approximately 18 inches annually before heading in the dormant season. If trees exhibit excessive growth, pruning should decrease to encourage the development of fruit spurs.
Most fruit grows on spurs from 2- to 6-year-old wood, whereas older wood and spurs produce smaller fruit than those on 2- to 4-year-old wood. Pruning cuts must be clean, with excess materials removed smoothly to prevent rubbing and damaging the fruit's diameter. Optimal fruit sizing occurs on 1- to 3-year-old spurs from wood measuring 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Fruit on smaller hanger wood typically sizes poorly. Pruning should promote several limbs while ensuring wide-angle branches from main scaffold limbs. Limb spreading to open up the tree centers can be beneficial.
In many pear-growing regions outside California, Asian pear trees are raised as central leaders, akin to apple tree training. This method involves minimal or no heading and selecting wide-angle limbs from the central leader for framework limbs. The final tree structure resembles a Christmas tree. It is advisable to maintain individual tree spacing and avoid dense hedgerows to promote good fruit quality and longevity in orchards. In New Zealand, most 'Nashi' trees follow the central-leader training method. Conversely, in Japan, a flat-topped training system called "tanashitate" uses cables and wires suspended from tall poles to support trees, which ensures wind protection and facilitates hand labor in Japanese pear production.
Diseases and Pests
All Asian pear varieties, except 'Shinko,' may develop fire blight (Erwinia amylovora). In regions where cold springs prevail, Asian pears can also experience bacterial canker (Pseudomonas). Poor planting depth may lead to crown rot (Phytophthora sp.). Asian pears have the same susceptibility to fire blight as most European pear varieties. Experienced growers often apply antibiotic materials (Streptomycin, Terramycin, or copper) during bloom and subsequently in spring when conditions favor fire blight infections, particularly when average daily temperatures exceed 60 F and rainfall or dew occurs on the flowers. These antibiotic sprays should be administered in April and May, and after harvest, with regular removal of diseased limbs necessary to control fire blight.
In Japan, black spot (Alternaria kikuchiana) severely damages fruit, necessitating bagging for certain yellow-skinned varieties. Black spot diseases, however, do not exist in the U.S. Scab is also problematic in Japan, though it differs from the species infecting Bartlett pears and apples in California.
Codling moth (Carpocapsa pomonella) severely affects Asian pears, requiring 3 to 4 well-timed sprays at or near full dosage to manage this pest. Similar materials are utilized for apple and domestic pear pest control. Thinning clusters to single fruit helps reduce codling moth infestations. Pear psylla (Psylla pyricola) can create sticky fruit and necessitates at least one delayed dormant spray. Various stink bugs and plant bugs inflict damage leaving hard, tan-colored spots beneath the flesh of Asian pears. Two-spot spider mites are also particularly harmful to Asian pear trees, especially under water-stressed conditions. A pre-harvest mite spray and frequent irrigation are critical to managing two-spot and European red mite populations.
Fruit Thinning
All Asian pear varieties require extensive thinning to achieve quality fruit sizes, ensure annual cropping, and prevent limb breakage. Thinning is completed by hand since chemical thinning is ineffective and unsafe. Some growers thin blossoms by manually removing all but 2 to 3 flowers from each cluster. Most growers prefer to wait for fruit set before removing all but 1 or 2 fruits per spur. This initial thinning should be performed before the first codling moth spray, employing clippers or small hand shears. A second thinning occurs before the second codling moth spray, particularly for hard-to-size varieties and to remove inadequately thinned pears from the first round. Ideally, thinning should be conducted twice to ensure no more than one fruit per spur, with well-thinned fruits spaced 4 to 6 inches apart. Effective thinning up to 30 days before harvest can benefit fruit size, while early thinning is essential for annual production and optimal fruit sizes. Thinning can take up to half an hour per tree for younger trees and one hour or more for older trees. For 4- to 5-year-old trees, achieving fruit loads of only 100 to 200 per tree post-thinning will facilitate optimal sizing. On 8- to 10-year-old trees, crop loads of 200 to 400 fruit per tree are typical. In Japan, 500 to 700 fruits are recommended on large-bearing trees or 70,000 fruits per acre.
Harvest and Maturity
The harvest season in California extends from mid-July to September, accommodating a few early or late varieties. In Washington State and Japan, fruit is harvested in August, September, and October. Most growers determine the timing of harvest by assessing fruit taste and color. Sugar content exceeding 12.5% is generally adequate, while fruit pressure between 8 to 11 pounds appears satisfactory. Fruit pressure is less reliable as a maturity measure for Asian pears than it is for their European counterparts. The color of russet-type fruit transitions from green to brown, while the ground color of green fruit changes from green to yellow. Color and sugar content are ideal indicators of optimal harvest time. Some green Chinese and hybrid types exhibit little color change upon maturation. All Asian pears must be handled with care to minimize bruising, brown marks, and stem punctures. Overripe fruit quickly presents roller bruises, fingerprints, and other signs of improper handling during harvest, while under ripe fruit lack flavor, negatively impacting market appeal. At least three picking sessions are required to gather mature, high-quality fruit from most varieties in California's Central Valley.
All Asian pear varieties should be harvested with care into padded picking buckets or boxes, ensuring gentle handling in the packinghouse. Their tender skin bruises easily, discolors, and blackens a day after rough handling during picking. Handling issues during picking can lead to numerous stem punctures. Many growers believe that Asian pears are more challenging to handle than firm peaches and contend they are not suitable for fast-moving packinghouse lines. Field-packing the fruit directly from picking containers into packing boxes or trays is preferred.
In the packinghouse, proper placement of fruit on wide, slow-moving, smooth, clean belts facilitates distribution to packers who "eye-size" the fruit and place it into plastic pack trays for market-bound containers. Fruit should be padded in boxes with "bubble pads" or paper-covered excelsior pads to prevent rolling during transit.
Fruit is packed either two layers deep in 21- to 24-pound "L.A." lugs, complete with pads and plastic packing molds, or packed one layer deep in "cherry" lugs. Fancy large fruit (sizes 12, 15, 16, 18, and 21 - 3 to 4 inches in diameter) is packed in single-layer boxes weighing 11 to 12 pounds. Medium-sized fruits are contained in two-layer boxes designated for sizes 48, 50 (3-inch diameter), 54, or 56 (2-7/8 inch diameter), while sizes 60 to 64 (2-5/8 inch diameter) weigh between 21 to 24 pounds. Imported Japanese fruits are packed in 20-kilo cartons, similar to tray-pack apples, measuring 3-1/2 to 4 inches in diameter.
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Fruit from some varieties can be stored at 32 F for one to three months without issues. After 2.5 months, Hosui and Shinko fruit may become spongy and show some storage rot, with potential internal breakdown observed in the core area after four months. Less mature fruit will also turn spongy sooner than fully mature ones. At room temperature of 70 F, fruit starts to soften or becomes spongy after 14 to 21 days. Common storage issues include shriveled skin, spongy fruit, browning of the core, and blackening of the skin. The advantages of controlled atmosphere storage for Asian pears remain unknown.
Varieties
There are three types of Asian pears: 1) round or flat fruit with green-to-yellow skin, 2) round or flat fruit with bronze-hued skin and light bronze russet, and 3) pear-shaped fruit with green or russet skin. Varieties are outlined in the order of ripening.
Ichiban Nashi
An early-maturing, large brown fruit that ripens mid-July, preceding Shinseiki, Shinsui, and Kosui.
Shinsui
An early-maturing brown fruit of reasonable size, ripening mid-July after Ichiban Nashi but before Shinseiki.
Kosui
A small, flat, bronze-russet early-maturing sweet fruit with tender skin that ripens in mid-July. It features a strong tree that is sensitive to two-spot spider mites and requires numerous sprays.
Shinseiki
A round, yellow-skinned, firm fruit that matures early (late July) and stores well for up to three months. It resembles 20th Century in appearance but is less flavorful, with self-fruitful capabilities in the San Joaquin region.
Hosui
A very large, juicy, sweet, and low-acid bronze-skinned pear ripening in early August. The tree is vigorous on P. betulaefolia and displays a wild, loose growth habit. This is a popular new variety in Japan and California, promising satisfaction for consumers and growers. However, it is usually very susceptible to fire blight and stores for only four to six weeks.
Kikusui
A flat, yellow-green, medium-sized fruit known for its excellent flavor, though it has a reputation for tender skin. This fruit can be stored until February but has dull-colored skin, making it less attractive at harvest in comparison to 20th Century. The fruit sizes better than 20th Century and possesses equal flavor and texture. It ripens in mid-August but has issues with pre-harvest drops. The tree's vigor is average.
Yoinashi
A large brown-skinned fruit with excellent flavor, ripening in mid-August alongside 20th Century but sizing much better.
20th Century (Nijisseki)
This variety is the most favored and reputed Asian pear in Japan and California. Originating in Japan, it became incredibly popular in the nation. The fruit is round, yellow-skinned, easily bruised, yet stores well for up to six months. Its sizing challenge is outweighed by its popularity, and it should not be grown on P. communis rootstock due to severe dwarfing. The fruit ripens in mid-August and grows well on P. betulaefolia, P. calleryana, and P. serotina. Older trees require spur removal and rejuvenation pruning to maintain fruit size, while the tree naturally maintains a well-shaped and manageable profile.
Chojuro
An aged, firm, brown- to orange-skinned, flat-shaped variety that has lost some popularity due to lower juiciness compared to newer varieties. It matures in mid-August, bruises readily, but can store for up to five months. It should be harvested when it first takes on a yellow-brown hue, as any delay can lead to severe bruising and skin discoloration.
Shinko
The fruit is large and round to slightly flattened with beautiful bronze-russet skin. It offers excellent flavor in warmer climates but stores for about only two months. The well-shaped tree is highly productive and consistently bears fruit annually, despite heavy crops. This variety matures in the first week of September and appears nearly resistant to fire blight.
Niitaka
A very large, firm brown-russet fruit known for its size, average flavor, and high production. Trees are significantly dwarfed on P. communis but grow vigorously on P. betulaefolia. Fruits ripen in early September and have a storage life of two months. Although flowers are pollen-sterile, they set well when cross-pollinated with most varieties.
Ya Li
A popular Chinese variety, pear-shaped, with green skin that is notably tender to bruising. This early-blooming variety requires cross-pollination by other early-flowering varieties, such as Tsu Li and Seuri. Its flavor is sweet, yet milder compared to other varieties. When appropriately thinned and pollinated, it can size well to 10 to 12 ounces. It represents the most significant pear variety in China and stores well until February while retaining its green color. Trees show excellent productivity and vigor across all pear rootstocks. It ripens late in August and early September, slower to come into production than most Japanese varieties.
Tsu Li
A large, football-shaped green fruit of average quality that has an extended storage life (six to ten months) and improves with time. It ripens in early to mid-September, developing an oily feel on the skin. It requires pollination from Ya Li; note that Tsu Li in California is not the same variety as Tsu Li in China.
Dasui Li and Shin Li
These new U.C. hybrids produce very large fruit, with greenish to yellow coloring. They ripen in late September and early October and can store effectively at 32 F for six months. Trees grow vigorously and can pollinate each other. Good crop yields necessitate limited pruning during the second and third years to regulate growth and stimulate spur/fruit production. They thrive on either P. betulaefolia or P. communis roots.
Okusankichi
An old Korean and Japanese variety that ripens in October and stores well. The fruit is brown-russet, somewhat elongate, and irregularly shaped. Its flavor is only average upon harvest but improves with storage.
Economics and Yields
In the early years of this century, Asian pears gained significant demand and pricing, driven primarily by the increasing Asian population in the United States and Vancouver, Canada. Wholesale prices reached around $1.50 per pound, prompting increased plantings in California. As early cultivations entered the market, prices gradually moderated. In recent years, supply levels approximated 600,000 to 800,000 packed boxes, with price ranges from a low of $6.00 to a high of $20.00 per box. Large (3- to 4-inch diameter) fruits commanded higher prices per box compared to smaller fruits (2-1/2-inch diameter). Well-colored, sweet fruit (13% sugar) fetched better prices than those with greener skin. During August and September, approximate prices for #1 and fancy grade fruits ranged from $16.00 to $20.00 per 24 lb. box containing 30 to 36 fruits; sales of $11.00 to $15.00 for boxes containing 42 to 50 fruits; and $6.00 to $8.00 per box for 60 to 64 fruits. Lower-grade fruits sold for $5.00 to $10.00 per box, depending on quality at terminal markets.
Asian pears yield lower per acre compared to Bartlett or Bosc pears due to extensive thinning necessary to achieve sizes that meet market demands for premium pricing. Orchards may yield a few pears by the third year, with better results in the fourth year, while yields from the fifth to seventh years range between 200 to 500 packed boxes per acre. Once trees reach full size (12-feet wide and high) at 10-14 years old, yields may hit 800 to 1,000 packed boxes per acre for sizes 30, 40, and 50 fruit. Although larger yields are achievable, fruit may not meet size criteria for profitable market prices.
The current market for Asian pears consists of several million Asians residing in the western United States, Vancouver (Canada), and major cities across the country. Future consumers include Caucasians interested in crisp, sweet pears that do not ripen and can be enjoyed immediately after harvesting or purchasing from grocery stores. Existing Asian pear tree plantations likely suffice the current demand from Asian residents in the U.S. New plantings will be needed to meet the anticipated demand from Caucasian consumers who have not yet discovered the delightful, convenient qualities of Asian pears. Production costs are around $2,500 to $3,000 per acre, exceeding Bartlett costs due to the significant expenses incurred for fruit thinning and market packing.
Asian pears represent a newly revitalized fruit crop in California. Previously grown on a small scale for a limited ethnic market, they are emerging as a viable crop among Caucasians who prefer non-ripening European pears. Excellent varieties developed in Japan are now available to support an expanding market that may soon reach nearly one million packed boxes. Careful handling during harvesting and packing is crucial to preventing bruising and marking on this delicate fruit. The fruit can be stored at 32 F in ambient air without quality degrading. Marketing and promotion strategies have made Asian pears quite popular in supermarkets. Production and sales have grown eight- to ten-fold during recent years. Foreign competitors from Japan, China, Korea, New Zealand, and Chile will likely influence our markets for years to come. At present, high-quality fruit secures solid profits for existing growers in California.
Selected References
Berkeley, B., Asian Pears, Fowler Nursery, Newcastle, CA.
Beutel, J. A., Asian Pears, Washington State Hort, Proc., Wenatchee, WA.
Beutel, J. A., Asian Pears, Pomology Dept. Publication, University of California, Davis, CA.
Pear, Plum, Peach and Nectarine Annual Reports, California Tree Fruit Agreement, Sacramento, CA.
Griggs W. and B. Iwakiri, Asian Pear Varieties In California, University of California DANR Publication #, Oakland, CA.
The New Crunch Pears, Sunset Magazine 84:72-75.
Van der Zwet and N. F. Childers, The Pear from Varieties to Marketing, Horticultural Publications, Gainesville, FL.
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