Variety traits

Self-fertility — Asian Pear

Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm. f.) Nakai var. culta (Mak.) Nakai

Most Asian pear cultivars are self-incompatible or partially self-compatible due to a gametophytic self-incompatibility system. To obtain a high-quality yield, cross-pollination with compatible cultivars that have overlapping bloom periods is required.

In the reference 4 varieties crop Asian pear, where this is mentioned in the description.

Asian pears are characterized by a gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI) system controlled by the S-locus. Genetic determination of this trait involves identifying S-alleles through S-RNase analysis and the study of specific SFBB genes. Practical assessment of cultivar compatibility levels is conducted using pollen tube growth microscopy on excised pistils or through field recording of fruit set under controlled cross-pollination.

Pronounced self-incompatibility necessitates planting at least two mutually compatible cultivars in the orchard. A lack of cross-pollination leads to low yields and the formation of small or deformed fruit. Selecting pollinizer pairs is complicated by biological differences between cultivars, including significant gaps in bloom timing, which often renders many European pear cultivars unsuitable for pollinating Asian species.

General information about the subject — on the page Self-fertility.

Sources8

Varieties of Asian pear mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.