Norwegian pears are only a small part of the total pear consumption in Norway. Research institute NIBIO has therefore conducted research in collaboration with Njøs Næringsutvikling into how the consumption of new Norwegian pears can be stimulated. The project was financed by the government, cooperation Gartnerhallen and supermarket chain BAMA. The main goal of the research was to increase knowledge of factors such as harvest time, storage, turnover method and cultivation methods, reports Ivar Slinde of Gartnerhallen, who was closely involved in the project.
The field research focused on elements such as pollination and fruiting and defining the correct harvest period for the pears Celina and Ingeborg. Research shows that Anna, Fritjof, Kristina and Herzogin Elsa are actual pollinating types for the Celina. Conference is also a good alternative and has the advantage of better availability. Conference is also used globally to pollinate Celina. Fritjof has the advantage of being a later pollen variety, which increases the chance of pollination. It also turned out that a standard spindle system gives the best results with the Celina. This system is also usually used for the apple cultivation, so that it increases flexibility with the growers.
Over the last seven years over 20,000 pear trees were planted among the Gartnerhallen growers. Together they produces 29 tonnes of pears. Gartnerhallen wants to advise the planting of new varieties based on the results of the new research. There is no doubt about whether there is space for this on the Norwegian market among the cooperation.
Source: gartnerhallen.no