Rootstocks for pear trees

The pear tree is naturally robust.  In addition, its growth is characterized by a long juvenile period.  The choice of rootstock is therefore very important in order to deal with certain constraints.

The quince tree is often preferred since it responds to requirement specifications.  Also, it ensures good fruit quality and multiplies easily.  Going beyond easing the workload in nurseries, it also represents the advantage of ease of recovery.

Consequently, a wide variety of quince trees exist.

Nevertheless, the quince tree adapts poorly in certain soils (dry, hard or low fertility).  Some relatively recent selections of pear trees that have been used as rootsocks have been able to correct some of the aspects discussed above.  They bring about new qualities of pears such as types that are less robust than the quince tree that allow for an intensification of production and most importantly, resistance or tolerance to fire blight.

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