Evaluation of pear rootstocks for Cheeky at La Plaisante, Wolseley

In South Africa, pear cultivars are planted on traditional pear rootstocks such as BP1, BP3 and BA29 showing the disadvantages of poor precocity, scion incompatibility, limited adaptability to poor soils and sensitivity to pear decline disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate newly developed commercial pear rootstocks under the South African environmental and growing conditions.

The ‘Cape Rose’ pear cultivar was planted in 2016 in a pear rootstock trial at the Mostertshoek farm in Wolseley growing region of South Africa on the following rootstocks: BP1, OHF40, OHF217, BA29/BH, QC51/BH, QA/BH, and Pyriam. Rootstocks were planted in a randomised complete block design with 10 blocks of 2 trees per plot.

DNA analysis confirmed the rootstocks were true-to-type, though not all trees were tested. Initial differences in tree growth diminished over time, with planting height affecting cumulative growth. Yield varied by rootstock and year but showed no significant long-term differences. Fruit quality differed by rootstock, especially in firmness and sugar-to-acid ratios

The evaluation of pear rootstocks revealed significant initial differences in tree height and scion trunk diameter that diminished over time. Yield and yield efficiency varied, with some rootstocks showing better performance in later years. Fruit quality was influenced by rootstock, particularly firmness and sugar-to-acid ratio. Leaf mineral content also varied, highlighting rootstock influence on nutrition. Future research is needed to optimise rootstock selection for productivity and fruit quality.

Rootstock selection significantly influences ‘Cape Rose’ pear tree growth, yield, and fruit quality, with initial growth differences diminishing over time. Focus on long-term performance, including mineral nutrition, is crucial for optimising orchard productivity.