Establish maturity standards for new pear cultivars

In all three seasons it was determined that Abate Fetel’s maximum firmness of 8.2kg as prescribed by NDA should be lowered to 7.3kg and the minimum firmness of 5.9kg should be lowered to 4.5kg. In the 2002 season these standards were implemented and in the 2003 season fruit was harvested according to these standards. Fruit still showed a very good storage potential even if harvested at firmnesses below 7.3kg.

In the 2003 season we also involved a third area (Warm Bokkeveld) to verify data of the previous two seasons when trials were done in areas regarded as “colder” and “later” regarding maturity of pears. Results were consistent in all three areas and we suggest that the recommendation of the 2002 season’s progress report be kept.

It is suggested that the maximum firmness of 8.2kg as prescribed by NDA is lowered to 7.3kg and the minimum firmness of 5.9kg as prescribed by NDA is lowered to 4.5kg. This would allow fruit to develop better fruit size.