Distinct features of adaptive and productive potential of prospective pear varieties

Abstract

The goal of the research is to identify the most productive and environmentally sustainable varieties of pear in the conditions of the Central Black Earth region of Russia. The research was carried out from 2015 to 2017 in the Oryol Oblast on leached black earth. The average humus content in the arable layer was 6.0–6.5%, phosphorus – 21–27 mg/100g, potassium – 12–15 mg/100 g. Soil acidity was 5.7–6.1. The thickness of the humus horizon was 40–75 cm. The degree of saturation of the bases was within 91%. Climate in the region is moderate-continental, heat is sufficient for the normal growth and development of fruit plants. The trees were planted in 2004; the scheme of planting was 6x4 m. The stock was seedlings of common pear. Accounting was conducted using the “Program and method of studying fruit, berry and nut crop varieties” (Oryol, 1999). The varieties Pamiati Yakovleva and Annushka are characterized by a restrained growth force – 3.5–3.8 m. In the natural climatic conditions of the Oryol Oblast, the Annushka and Velesa varieties are considered hardy, the Rossoshanskaya krupnaya and Svetlyanka – medium-hardy. Varieties Annushka and Velesa are quite resistant to the pathogens of scab, brown and white spotting – the average score for damage to fruits and leaves did not exceed 1.5. On average, for 3 years the yield of the Rossoshanskaya krupnaya pear variety was at the level of the zoned control variety Pamiati Yakovleva. Yields were 112.2 and 108.3 centners per hectare, respectively. The yield of the Annushka variety was 7.5 centners per hectare, or 6.7% higher than that of the control variety.