Evaluation of several Asian pear cultivars in the climatic conditions of Lower Silesia

The Asian pear tree (Nashi), originated in China and Japan, where it is commonly grown. In Europe, in Poland in particular, it remains almost unknown, despite the fact that its cultivation has been proven to be possible there. The aim of the experiment – carried out between 2008 and 2015 at the Fruit Experimental Station Samotwór, next to Wrocław – was to evaluate the growth intensity and yielding of several Asian pear tree cultivars: ‘Kosui’, ‘Shinseiki’, ‘Nijisseiki’, ‘Chojuro’, ‘Hosui’, and ‘Shu Li’; as well as the quality and biological value of their fruits. ‘Conference’, which is widespread in Europe, was chosen as the control variety. ‘Conference’, ‘Shu Li’, and ‘Hosui’ showed highest growth intensity, whereas the trees of ‘Shinseiki’ were the smallest. In terms of yields over the period of eight years following the planting, ‘Chojuro’ and ‘Shinseiki’ performed best, while the least fruits were obtained from the ‘Nijisseiki’ cultivar. Significantly heaviest and biggest fruits were collected from the Chinese ‘Shu Li’ cultivar. In 2012, Nashi fruits had similar carotenoid, calcium, and magnesium contents as the fruits of ‘Conference’.