Production and Trade; This pear specie grown with the common names of Asian Pear, Nashi, Japan Pears, Chinese Pears and Apple Pear in the world are widely planted in Eastern Asia, China, Japan, Korea and also New Zealand and Chile and started to be planted in California and Europe in recent years. It has been grown over 15 years in our country and the production is estimated about 500-1000 tons a year. Asian Pears take demand of consumers with their crispy, juicy and unique flavors. It is foreseen that the Asian Pears which can be found in big markets only because of the lack of production will have a big demand in the future.
Use of Rootstock; Species the most preferred in foreign countries is Pyrus betulaefolia, Pyrus comminus (European pears), pear seed rootstocks and OH-F rootstocks. Betulaufolia rootstocks are preferred in California and Japan and these rootstocks are resistant to cold and heavy textured soils. Since grafting unconformity may be seen in those on the quince origin rootstocks, semi-dwarf rootstocks like BA-29 are seen. However, by means of using an intergrafted pear rootstock cohering to the quince, Asian pears can then be grafted.
Climate and Soil requirements; Asian Pears don't resist to colds as much as the European group pears, which are also grown in our country, they can be planted in areas available for peaches. It is possible to grow the specie in Southern and Eastern Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean, Southeastern Anatolia and Black Sea Regions of our country as well as the micro-climatic places of Central Anatolia Region. Asian pears are not so selective so that can be planted in farms other than the very heavy textured and clayed soils.
Establishing Garden, budding and cultivation methods; Asian pears can be planted in 3 m gaps on the line and 5m or 4x2.5m gaps between the lines on the OH F-333 clone rootstocks. It is better to apply the 5x5m planting gaps for those on the Pyrus betulaefolia rootstock which grows strongly. Asian pears are partly yielding for themselves and it is better to plant another species which bloom. Applying goble or modified leader cultivation systems and generally goble system is preferred in California.
Fertilizing; Asian pears are partly yielding for themselves and it is better to plant another species which fertilize. Nijiseki (20th century) and Shinseiki species fertilize each other therefore no fertilizing is required in a garden. 3 to 4 bee hives should be available up to 10 decares during flowering. Early type species Ya Li, Tsu Li and Seuri fertilize each other since they bloom at the same time. Of the species bloom at the same time, many fertilize each other. Asian pears bloom a few days earlier than the European group Pears and they bloom at the same time with Nijitseiki, Okusankichi, and Williams species and fertilize each other. Hosui, Kosui and Atogo species fertilize each other.
Thinning; To obtain the demanded fruit size, fruit thinning should definitely be performed. More thinning is required compared to the European Group pears. Since no regular thinning can be conducted by the chemicals, manual thinning is a must.
Important Species; Around 25 species are grown in Eastern Asia and California, most commonly planted species are categorized into 3 groups. These are as follows; 1-Round, flattened at the flower hole and stem hole, green yellowish color of outer leaf, 2-Round, flattened shape but bronze outer leaf or bronze spotted group, 3-Classic (European group) pear shaped (conic). Important Asian pear species from the early yielding to late yielding; Ichiban Nashi, Shinsui, Kosui, Shinseki, Shinseiki, Hosui, Atago Kikusui, Yoinashi, 20th century (Nijisweki), Chojuro, Shinko, Nitaka, Yali, Tsu li, Dasui Li, Shin Li, Okusankichi species.
Diseases and pests; Asian pears other than Shinko specie are sensitive to fire blight. In especially areas where springs are cool, diseases are more frequently encountered. Deep planting may cause bacterial cancer on trees in the future.
Harvest, Packing and Storing; Asian pears are harvested from the beginning of July until late September based on their species. When dry material is around 12-13% (total sugar) they can be harvested. Regarding the spotted species, the most important criteria for harvest ripeness is the condition when the green spots turn to brown. And when the ground color turn to yellowish from green, it is time to harvest. It is crucial not to damage the fruits during harvest and fruits shouldn't have finger prints during harvest. It is recommended for the Asian pears to pack and carry in 10-20 kg plastic packs. Asian pears exported to Japan from California are transported in 20 kg packs. While the Asian pears change according to the species, they can be stored for 2 to 4 months in 0 C0. After this period of time, internal scals might be observed in some species..
