Rootstocks suitable for pear production (BIOFRUITNET Practice Abstract)

Summary in the original language of the document

The selection of the right rootstock results in a pear tree with balanced growth and production, good yields and fruit quality.
Practical recommendation
• The most frequently used rootstocks in organic pear growing are various types of quince
• The various quince rootstocks differ in vigour, requirements for soil conditions and water demands
• Not all varieties are compatible with every rootstock. Incompatibility is known for the varieties Williams, Guyot, Verdi, Bosc, Triumph de Vienne and Xenia/Oksana/Novembra. A solution is to use an intermediate stem.
• Doyenné du Comice (=Vereindechant) fits any rootstock and is, therefore good to use as an intermediate stem
• The rootstock Eline® leads to the production of pears with less bronze colour (smoother pears) than rootstocks MC, Adams, C132 and MH (Maas 2014)
• Adams is the most productive rootstock under growth conditions in which no or limited water and fertigation can be applied
• Frost sensitivity is an important factor. Quince Eline is less susceptible than other Quince rootstocks
• New rootstocks with resistance to various diseases should be tested under organic circumstances.