Performance of some Exotic Pear Cultivars under Temperate Conditions of Kashmir

Abstract

Seven exotic varieties and two commercially grown cultivars of pear grafted on quince were evaluated for various physio-chemical characteristics for two years in the orchard of Department of Horticulture, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Among various physical characters, Red Anjou recorded maximum fruit length (6.88cm), fruit diameter (5.77cm), fruit weight (111.36g) and fruit volume (118.48cm²), followed by Coscia for all these characters. No significant variation was recorded for L/D ratio among the pear cultivars. Maximum fruit firmness (20.77 lb/inch²) was scored by Cosco-D. Coscia registered maximum TSS (14.04%) along with minimum acidity (0.30%) and highest TSS/acid ratio (46.80). Highest reducing sugar (7.92%) and total sugar (9.26%) was scored by Coscia, followed by William Bartlett as 6.77% of reducing sugar and 7.96% of total sugar. From the present study it is clear, that Red Anjou and Coscia performed well under Kashmir conditions and is suitable for commercial purpose.