Pear Bergamot of Dagestan

A new winter pear variety developed by the Dagestan Fruit Breeding Experimental Station (originators — breeders T. B. Alibekov and E. P. Matasova), resulting from a cross between Western European varieties 'Bere Bosk' (female parent) and 'Williams' (male parent).

Widely grown in the foothills of Dagestan, it is recommended for all fruit zones and subzones of the republic, except the high-altitude subzone of the mountainous zone of the Republic of Dagestan.

Tree above average size, with a high, rounded crown. Bears fruit on simple and complex spurs, and occasionally on fruiting shoots.

Shoots are long, medium thickness, straight, slightly curved, brown; leaves are medium-sized, elliptical, smooth, green, entire or occasionally finely toothed; petiole short, medium thickness, stipules small, short, needle-like.

Fruits of medium size, weighing 110–130 g, short-pear-shaped ('bergamot-like') form, broad-ribbed, surface smooth, yellow base color with greenish tint. Peduncle short and thick; calyx medium or above average size, open; calyx tube small, funnel-shaped; seed chambers above average size, closed; seeds large, pointed-oval, brown, central cavity large and narrow.

Flesh is white or pale-yellow, juicy, semi-fleshy, semi-oily, slightly tart-sweet, high quality (4.5 points). Chemical composition: dry matter — 13.4%, total sugars — 9.11%, titratable acids — 0.31%, ascorbic acid — 7.44 mg/100g.

Ripening period is winter (harvesting period from October 1–5). Fruit storage life is 100 days. In ordinary fruit storage facilities (with active ventilation), fruits can be stored and consumed fresh until early January.

Best pollinators: Dagestan Summer, Buyanakskaya. Early bearing, begins fruiting from the 5th–6th year. High (150–200 c/ha) and regular yield. Cold-hardy and resistant to scab.

Advantages of the variety: early bearing, high yield, winter hardiness, resistance to scab; winter ripening period and high fruit quality.

Disadvantages of the variety: poorly compatible with quince rootstock.

The variety can serve as a donor for early bearing, high yield, winter hardiness (only in Dagestan conditions), resistance to scab, winter ripening period, and high fruit quality.