Pears belong to the core fruit group; they have a more niche existence in direct comparison with apples. But they are very healthy. A high fiber content stimulates digestion, potassium has a detoxifying and dehydrating effect. In addition to this, pears are low in acidity and are digested very easily. Most of the varieties available on the market go back to intensive breeding work in the 18th and 19th centuries, in France and Belgium in particular.
In recent years and decades, new, important varieties have emerged, such as the robust Uta, which is mainly used in organic farming, or the Concorde, a cross of Doyenné du Comice with a Conference. The Concorde is characterized by its compact growth, high yields and their
low susceptibility to scab and other diseases. Almost all pear varieties require a predominantly dry, warm location for optimal fruit development. The plants should have deep, nutrient-rich soils, with a good water supply. In order to meet the requirements of the market, the cultural technology of pear production is subject to constant change.
Without CA cooling, even winter varieties can be stored only a few weeks . Summer varieties such as Williams pear, Abate Fetel or Clapp's favorite must be consumed or further processed. After a short optimal period, they become floury or brown.
The survey of the 2017 yields of fruit plants by Statistics Austria -Levels of 09/2018- draws a clear picture. The general structural changes in agriculture are reflected in pear production as well. While the number of farms is almost unchanged since the last survey, at -18% to the long-term average, a clear negative trend can be noted. Burgenland, Styria and Vorarlberg in particular experienced particularly strong declines in recent years, at -39% and -23%, respectively. In contrast, Upper Austria and Carinthia recorded an increase in production companies.
Pears are slightly more sensitive to winter frost than apples and as the flower about 10 days earlier (mid-April), they are more in danger of late frosts as well. However, if one disregards climatic extremes, it can be seen that the domestic production volumes of the last few years have shown quite some stability.
There were hardly any acreage shifts in 2017 in the summer pear cultivation, with 260 ha in use nationwide, including organic orchards. Austria's most popular schnapps pear, the Williams Christ, claimed 244 ha, 94% of the summer pear acreage. Regarding 2017 winter pear cultivation these wer followed by the important Uta variety at 360 ha including organic, then Bosc's Flaschenbirne.
Traditional Austrian pear varieties such as Gute Luise, which are more susceptible to scab and less productive under suboptimal conditions, have been cut down. This aromatic winter variety has lost 74% of its acreage over the last fifteen years.
Currently, 5% of Styrian fruit orchards are planted with pears. Modern varieties such as Uta, the November pear or Cepuna are arousing interest. From countries with a significantly higher proportion of pears like Belgium, Holland and Italy, new and attractive varieties are coming onto the market, which sooner or later will also prevail in Austria. Particularly the visually appealing, two-colored, red-cheeked pear varieties are very trendy. Especially during times of apple overproduction and low market price, pear cultivation can be profitable for a company in many ways. As a subculture in suitable locations, the pear must have its place.
Source: AMA