Update on CREA Centro di Ricerca Olivicoltura, Frutticoltura e Agrumicoltura pear breeding program

The pear breeding activity at CREA Centro di Ricerca Olivicoltura, Frutticoltura e Agrumicoltura of Forlì (FC) started 50 years ago. The first controlled crossings were made in 1968 and seven cultivars were released: ‘Tosca’ (1993), ‘Carmen^pvr’, ‘Norma^pvr’ and ‘Turandot^pvr’ (2000), ‘Aida^pvr’ and ‘Bohème^pvr’ (2003) and ‘Falstaff^pvr’ (2012). In the past, the breeding program was financed by several public research projects. In the last ten years, the program has been co-funded by New Plant Consortium of Forlì which brings together three growers’ associations, Apofruit Italia, Orogel Fresco and Apoconerpo. The main objectives are: extension of the harvest calendar; production of high quality fruit with long shelf-life; improved resistance and/or tolerance to diseases, such as fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) and insects (Psilla pyri); delivery of optimum nutraceutical characteristics and aesthetic characteristics, like red skin and flesh. In recent years, the European trend has been focused on red-skin or red-blushed pears to diversify the market. The market needs new cultivars to diversify the product and to ensure the maintenance of high market shares. Interspecific hybrids (P. communis × P. pyrifolia) have become an interesting goal due to their organoleptic characteristics (very crispy, juicy and aromatic flesh). ‘Falstaff’ is the first cultivar released within the framework of the New Plant co-funded breeding activity. It is a red-skin pear cultivar, with harvest starting in early September (25-30 days after ‘Williams’ and at the same period as ‘Abate Fétel’) in Emilia-Romagna areas. The skin is yellow, with red over-colour on about 80% of the surface, which becomes very attractive during cold storage. Fruit taste improves during cold-storage, reaching excellent levels after three-four months, when it often has a peculiar, spicy aftertaste. For its commercial exploitation, a “club” managed by New Plant has been set up. Some of the most interesting selections at an advanced stage of evaluation will be described here.