The USDA Pear Breeding Program III. Fruit Evaluation

Abstract

In the USDA pear breeding program, fruits are harvested between mid-July and November because of wide variation in maturation time among seedling trees. Six-fruit samples are picked when mature as determined by color of skin and lenticels, ease of separation from the fruit spur, darkening of the seeds, change in sugar content of the fruit, or a combination of these characteristics. The fruits are stored at 0°C from 1 week to 3 months before ripening for about 7 days at 18°–20°C.

Each sample is evaluated and all fruit characteristics are recorded on machine-readable forms for processing by computer. All fruit data are compiled and stored in a computer master file for future use. Printouts of these data that also shows the lowest fire blight rating for each seedling, are very useful in selecting trees to be harvested, planning genetic studies, and choosing new selections in the field.