Pear Moscow Bergamot

Autumn variety from the Moscow Agricultural Academy named after K. A. Timiryazev. Exact genetic origin is not established. It is likely a third-generation seedling from repeated crossings between Ussuri pear and Western European varieties. Breeders: S. T. Chizhov, S. P. Potapov, N. V. Agafonov, A. V. Isachkin, A. G. Matushkin, V. I. Susov, I. I. Khanzian. Transferred to the State Variety Testing Institute (GSI) in 1997. Recommended for cultivation in the Central region.

Medium-stature tree, oval-shaped crown, medium density, compact. High bud break and shoot formation capability. Fruit set is concentrated, primarily on old and young spurs.

Shoots are brownish-light-brown, buds are tightly pressed; internodes are shortened. Petioles are medium in number, large, elongated. Leaves are medium-sized, oblong-oval in shape, leaf margin is finely toothed. Petiole is short, above average thickness or thick. Stipules are above average length.

Fruits are above average size (mass 151 g), bergamot-shaped, slightly ribbed. Skin is medium thickness. Main color of ripe fruits is light yellow-green, no covering color or slight brownish-red blush. Subcutaneous dots are large, medium number. Fruit stem is very short or short, thick. Calyx tube is narrow, small. Receptacle is narrow, small, sometimes ribbed. Calyx is half-open.

Flesh is medium density, juicy, sweet-sour, good flavor. Fruit attractiveness is rated 4.1 points, taste quality 3.9 points. Chemical composition: 13.5% dry matter, 8.1% total sugars, 0.84% total acids.

Harvest maturity occurs in the first decade of September, when the green main color of fruits lightens. Consumption period lasts until the third decade of September; fruits store up to 1.5–2 months in refrigeration.

Grafted plants begin fruiting on the 4th–5th year. Average yield in the fruit experimental orchard of TSXA is 19 kg/tree, productivity 4.12 kg/m² crown projection.

Highly winter-hardy, after severe winter of 1986/87, minor damage was noted. Highly resistant to scab and brown spot, resistant to fruit rot.

Advantages of the variety: high winter hardiness, prolonged flowering period, compact crown, good productivity, high resistance to scab, large fruit size.

Disadvantages of the variety: relatively short consumption period; in dry years accumulates excessive bitterness and acidity in fruits, reducing average taste rating.