Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

European Pear

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Fruit Breeding

Part of the book series: Handbook of Plant Breeding ((HBPB,volume 8))

Abstract

Among the fruit tree species, the European pear (Pyrus communis L.) has the most stable cultivar structure. Although the selection activity in the last several centuries has produced several hundred cultivars, only a few pear cultivars are currently grown. Within the Pomoideae (Pyrinae) there are 22 Pyrus species, along with another ten or so that have been variously described and assignable to synonyms of the more important species. Perhaps the most widely known species, if not the most widely cultivated, is P. communis L. The European pear is essentially the only Pyrus species currently grown in Europe while in North America both the European and the Oriental pear are grown. The European pear and its ancestral species, P. pyraster Burgsd., grow wild throughout Europe, and it was here where it was domesticated as early as 300 bc. The pear and apple appear to be amphidiploid or allotetraploid species, i.e., those formed by the gametic union of two Rosaceae species of 8 and 9 chromosomes. The high level of genetic recombination combined with selection for fruit size, appearance, flavor, postharvest storability, and resistance to pathogens and diseases has resulted in a diverse array of cultivars. There has been major advances in fruit appearance (shape, color, attractiveness), size, ripening season (summer and fall are predominant) and postharvest traits. Much effort is being invested by researchers to find resistance genes to the main biotic adversities of pear: the fire blight bacterium (Erwinia amylovora), the European pear psylla (Cacopsilla pyri), which is the vector of the phytoplasma causing pear decline, the scab causing fungi Venturia pyrina, and the black spot fungus Stemphylium vesicarium.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), ­flavonol synthase (FLS), leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LAR1, LAR2), anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), anthocyanidin reductase (ANR), and UDP-glucose: flavonoid 7-O-glucosyltransferase (F7GT).

References

  • Abe, K., Kotobuki, K., Saito, T. and Terai, O. 2000. Inheritance of resistance to pear scab from European pears to Asian pears. J Jpn Soc Hort Sci, 1, 1–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bagnara, G.L. and Rivalta, L. 1989. Dwarfing in pear. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 256, 103–110.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baldini, E. and Scaramuzzi, F., 1957. Contributo allo studio delle cultivar di pero. In Baldini and Scaramuzzi eds. La coltura del pero in Italia, Rivista Ortoflorofrutticoltura Italiana, Firenze 1957, pp 255–342.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bao, L., Chen, K., Zhang, D., Cao, Y., Yamamoto, T. and Teng, Y. 2007. Genetic diversity and similarity of pear cultivars native to East Asia revealed by SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers. Genet Resour Crop Evol, 54, 959–971.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Batlle, I., Lozano, L., Iglesias, I., Carbó, J., Bonany, J., White, A.G., Volz, R.K. and Brewer, L.R. 2008. The IRTA-HR pear scion breeding programme: aiming for high fruit quality under warm growing conditions. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 800, 455–460.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bassi, D., Tagliavini, M. and Marangoni, B. 1994. Selection of clonal rootstocks of Pyrus ­communis (L.). Acta Hort.(ISHS), 367, 364–371.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bell, R.L. 1996. Pears. In Janick, J. and Moore, J.N. eds. Fruit Breeding Volume 1: Tree and Tropical Fruit. John Wiley and Sons, New York, 441–514.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bell, R.L., Scorza, R., Srinivasan, C. and Webb, K. 1999. Transformation of ‘Beurré Bosc’ pear with the rolC gene. J Am Soc Hortic Sci, 124, 570–574.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bell, R.L. 2003. Resistance to pear psylla nymphal feeding of germplasm from central Europe. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 622, 343–345.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bell, R.L. and Reed, B.M. 2002. In vitro tissue culture of pear: advances in techniques for micropropagation and germplasm preservation. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 596, 412–418.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bell R.L. ; van der Zwet T. and Blake, R.C. 2002; ‘Blake’s pride’. Pear 2002, 37, 711–713.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bellini, E. and Nin, S. 1997. The breeding of pear tree worldwide (Pyrus communis). Rivista di Frutticoltura, 59, 19–30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bellini, E., and Nin, S. 2002. Breeding for new traits in pear. Acta Hort, 596, 217–224.

    Google Scholar 

  • Booi, S., van Dyk, M.M., du Preez, M.G., Rees, D.J.G. and Labuschagné I. 2005. Molecular typing of red and green phenotypes of bon rouge pear trees, with the use of microsatellites. Acta Hort. (ISHS)., 671, 293–297.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Braniste, N. 2000. Collection, preservation and estimation of germplasm fund for Malus spp. and Pyrus spp. in Romania. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 538, 91–94.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brisset, M.N., Paulin, J.P. and Duron M. 1988. Feasibility of rating fire blight susceptibility of pear cultivars (Pyrus communis) on in vitro microcuttings. Agronomie, 8, 707–710.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brisset, M. N., Ochatt, S. J. and Paulin, J. P. 1990. Evidence for quantitative responses during ­co-culture of Pyrus communis protoplasts and Erwinia amylovora. Plant Cell Reports, 9, 272–275.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Broertjes, C. 1982. Significance of in vitro adventitious bud techniques for mutation breeding of vegetatively propagated crops. In: Induced Mutations in Vegetatively Propagated Plants, II, IAEA, Vienna, 1–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Broothearts, W., Keulemans, J., Van Nerum,·I. 2004. Self-fertile apple resulting from S-RNase gene silencing. Plant Cell Rep 22, 497–501.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, A.G. 1960. Scab resistance in progenies of varieties of cultivated pear. Euphytica: 247–253.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, A. G., 1966. Genetical studies in pears V. Red mutants. Euphytica 15, 425–429.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Callan, N.W. and Lombard, P.B. 1978. Pollination effects on fruit set and seed development in ‘Comice’ pear. J. American Society for Horticultural Science, 103, 496–500.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chagné, D., Carlisle, C.M., Blond, C., Volz, R.K., Whitworth, C.J., Oraguzie, N.C., Crowhurst, R.N., Allan, A.C., Espley, R.V., Hellens, R.P., and Gardiner, S.E. 2007. Mapping a candidate gene (MdMYB10) for red flesh and foliage colour in apple. BMC Genomics. 8: 212.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chevalier, M., Bernard, C., Tellier, M., Lespinasse, Y., Filmond, R. and Le Lezec, M. 2004. Variability in the reaction of several pear (Pyrus communis) cultivars to different inocula of Venturia pirina. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 663, 177–182.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chevreau, E., Taglioni, J.P., Cesbron, C., Dupuis, F., Sourice, S., Berry, I., Bersegeay, A., Descombin, J. and Loridon, K. 2007. Feasibility of alternative selection methods for transgenic apple and pear using the detoxification gene Vr-ERE. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 738, 277–281.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Colombo, R. and Bolognesi S, 2008. Risultati della sperimentazione sui principaliportinnesti per il pero. Italus Hortus, 15, 22–26

    Google Scholar 

  • Crane, M. B., and D. Lewis, 1942: Genetical studies in pears III. Incompatibility and sterility. J. Genet., 43, 31–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Decourtye, L. 1967. Etude de quelques caractères à contrôle génétique simple chez le pommier (Malus sp.) et le poirier (Pyrus communis). Ann. Amélior. Pl., 17, 243–265.

    Google Scholar 

  • Decourtye, L., 1970. Methodology in induced mutagenesis and results. In Proc. Eucarpia Fruit Breed Symp Angers, Eucarpia Fruit Sect S.E.I., C.N.R.A., Versailles pp. 161–174.

    Google Scholar 

  • Decourtye, L., 1982. Bilancio di 20 anni di miglioramento delle specie legnose da frutto mediante la mutagenesi e prospettive attuali. Atti della giornata di studio sull’uso di tecniche nucleari per il miglioramento genetico dei fruttiferi, Roma, pp. 21–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Franceschi, P., Pierantoni, L., Dondini, L., Grandi, M., Sanzol, J., Sansavini, S. 2011a. Cloning and mapping multiple S-locus F-box genes in European pear (Pyrus communis L.). Tree Genetics & Genomes, 2, 231–240.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Franceschi, P., Pierantoni, L., Dondini, L., Grandi, M., Sansavini, S., Sanzol, J. 2011b. Evaluation of candidate F-box genes for the pollen S of gametophytic self-incompatibility in the Pyrinae (Rosaceae), on the basis of their phylogenomic context. Tree Genetics & Genomes, 4, 663–683.

    Google Scholar 

  • Di Sandro, A., Serafini-Fracassin,i D., Del Duca, S., Faleri, C., Cai, G., De Franceschi, P., Dondini, L., Sansavini, S. 2008. Pollen transglutaminase in pear self incompatibility and relationships with S-RNases and S-allele variability. Acta Hort., 800, 423–430.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dondini, L., L. Pierantoni, F. Gaiotti, R. Chiodini, S. Tartarini, C. Bazzi, and S. Sansavini, 2004. Identifying QTLs for fire-blight resistance via a European pear (Pyrus communis L.) genetic linkage map. Mol. Breed., 14, 407–418.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dondini, L., Pierantoni, L., Ancarani, V., D’Angelo, M., Cho, K.-H., Shin, I.-S., Musacchi, S., Kang, S.-J. and Sansavini, S. 2008. The inheritance of the red colour character in European pear (Pyrus communis L.) and its map position in the mutated cultivar ‘Max Red Bartlett’. Plant Breeding., 127, 524–526.

    Google Scholar 

  • Durel, C.E., Guérif, P., Belouin A., and Le Lezec M. 2004. Estimation of fire blight resistance heritability in the french pear breeding program using a pedigree-based approach Acta Hort., 663, 251–256.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duron, M., Paulin, J.P. and Brisset, M.N. 1987. Use of in vitro propagated plant material for rating fire blight susceptibility. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 217, 317–324.

    Google Scholar 

  • Espley, R.V., Hellens, R.P., Putterill, J., Stevenson, D.E., Kutty-Amma, S. and Allan, A.C. 2007. Red colouration in apple fruit is due to the activity of the MYB transcription factor, MdMYB10. The Plant Journal 49, 414–427.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fischer, TC, Gosch, C., Pfeiffer, J., Halbwirth, H., Halle, C., Stich, K. and Forkmann, G. 2007. Flavonoid genes of pear (Pyrus communis). Trees, 21, 521–529.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fischer, M. and Mildenberger, G. 1999. The Naumburg/Pillnitz pear breeding programme results. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 484, 135–138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fischer, M. and Mildenberger, G. 2002. New Naumburg/Pillnitz pear breeding results. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 596, 225–231.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gao, M., Matsuta, N., Nishimura, K., Tao, R., Murayama, H., Toyomasu, T., Mitsuhashi, W. and Dandekar, A. M. 2003. Transformation of pear (Pyrus communis cv. ‘La France’) with genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis. Acta Hort., 625, 387–393.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gao, M., Matsuta, N., Murayama, H., Toyomasu, T., Mitsuhashi, W., Dandekar, A.M., Tao, R. and Nishimura, K. 2007. Gene expression and ethylene production in transgenic pear (Pyrus ­communis cv. ‘La France’) with sense or antisense cDNA encoding ACC oxidase. Plant Science, 173, 32–42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gianfranceschi, L., Seglias, N., Tarchini, R., Komjanc, M. and Gessler, C. 1998. Simple sequence repeats for the genetic analysis of apple. Theor Appl Genet, 96,1069-1076.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Goldway, M., Takashi, T.Y., Sanzol, J., Mota, M., Zisovich, A., Stern, R.A. and Sansavini, S. 2009. Renumbering the S-RNase alleles of European pears (Pyrus communis L.) and cloning the S109 RNase allele. Scientia Horticulturae, 4, 417–422.

    Google Scholar 

  • Griggs, W.H. and Iwakiri, B.T. 1954. Pollination and parthenocarpy in production of ‘Barlett’ pears in California. Hilgardia, 22, 643–678.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guildford, P., Prakash, S., Zhu, J-M., Rikkerink, E., Gardiner, S., Basset, H. and Forster, R. 1997. Microsatellites in Malus x domestica (apple) abundance, polymorphism and cultivar identification. Theor Appl Genet., 94, 249–254.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harris, M.K. and Lamb, R.C. 1973. Resistance to the pear psylla in pears with Pyrus ussuriensis lineage.- J. of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 98, 378–381.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hartmann, H.T. 1990. Plant Propagation: Principles and Practices. In H.T. Hartmann, D.E. Kester and F.T. Davies, Jr., eds., Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs. NJ.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hedrick, U.P. 1914. The pears of New York. In, New York Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, New York, NY.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hirata, N., 1989. Self-compatible mutant in Japanese pear. Gamma Field Symposia. Production of mutants in tree crops. July 20–21, Institute of Radiation Breeding, NIAR MAFF, Ibaraki, Japan 28: 71–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Howard, B. H. 1987. Propagation. In Rom, R. C. és Carlson, R. F. (Eds.). Rootstocks for fruit crops. John Wiley and Sons, New York, pp. 29–77.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hunter, D.M. and. Layne, R.E.C. 2004. Recent pear and apricot introductions from the AAFC-Harrow tree fruit breeding programs. Acta Hort. 663, 907–910.

    Google Scholar 

  • Iketani, H., Abe, K., Yamamoto, T., Kotobuki, K., Sato, Y., Saito, T., Terai, O., Matsuta, N. and Hayashi, T. 2001. Mapping of disease-related genes in Japanese pear using a molecular linkage map with RAPD markers. Breed Sci, 51, 179–184.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Inoue, E., Matsuki, Y., Anzai, H. and Evans, K. 2007. Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai). Molecular Ecology Notes, 7, 445–447.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jock, S., Donat, V., Lòpez, M.M., Bazzi, C. and Geider, K. 2002. Following spread of fire blight in Western, Central and Southern Europe by molecular differentiation of Erwinia amylovora strains with PFGE analysis. Environ. Microbiol, 4, 106–114.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lacey, C.N.D. 1975. Induction and selection of mutant form of fruit plants. Long Ashton Ann Rep, 22–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lacey, C.N.D. and Campbell, I.A. 1982. Progress in mutation breeding of apples (Malus pumila Mill.) at Long Ashton Research Station, Bristol, United Kingdom. In: Induced Mutations in Vegetatively Propagated Plants, II. International Atomic Energy Agency, Wien, pp. 11–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lebedev, V.G., Taran, S.A., Shmatchenko, V.V. and Dolgov, S.V. 2002. Pear transformation with the gene for supersweet protein thaumatin ii. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 596, 199–202.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lebedev, V.G., Dolgov, S.V., Lavrova, N., Lunin, V.G. and Naroditski, B.S. 2002. Plant-defensin genes introduction for improvement of pear phytopathogen resistance. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 596, 167–172.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Le Lézec, M., Belouin, A., Guérif, P. and Lespinasse, Y. 2002. “ANGELYS”, a new winter pear to replace “Passe Crassane”. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 596, 265–269.

    Google Scholar 

  • Le Lézec, M., Thibault, B., Balavoine, P. and Paulin, J.P. 1985. Sensibilité varietale du pommier et du poirier au feu bacterien. Phytoma, 365, 37–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lespinasse, Y. and Aldwinckle, H.S. 2000. Breeding for resistance to fire blight. In: J.L. Vanneste ed. Fire Blight: The Disease and its Causative Agent, Erwinia amylovora, CABI Publishing, Wallingford, UK, 253–273.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lespinasse, Y., Chevalier, M., Durel, C.H.-.E., Guérif, P.H., Tellier, M., Denancé, C., Belouin, A. and Robert, P.H. 2008. Pear breeding for scab and psylla resistance. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 800, 475–482.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liebhard, R., Gianfranceschi, L., Koller, B., Ryder, R., Tarchini, E., van de Weg, E. and Gessler, C. 2002. Development and characterisation of 140 new microsatellites in apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.). Mol. Breed, 10, 217–241.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liebhard, R., Kellerhals, M., Pfammatter, W., Jertmini, M. and Gessler, C. 2003. Mapping quantitative physiological traits in apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.). Plant Molecular Biology, 52, 511–526.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malnoy, M., Venisse, J.S., Reynoird,·J.P. and Chevreau, E. 2003. Activation of three pathogen-inducible promoters of tobacco in transgenic pear (Pyrus communis L.) after abiotic and biotic elicitation. Planta, 216, 802–814.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malnoy, M. Faize, M. Venisse, J.S. Geider, K. and Chevreau E. 2005. Expression of viral ­EPS-depolymerase reduces fire blight susceptibility in transgenic pear. Plant Cell Rep, 23, 632–638.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marino, G., Beghelli, F., Rombolà, A.D. and Cabrini, L. 2000. In vitro performance at high pH and in vivo responses to Fe-deficiency of leaf-derived quince BA29 (Cydonia oblonga) somaclones regenerated at variable medium pH. J Hort Sci Biotechnol, 75, 433–440.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marino, G. and Molendini, L. 2005. In vitro leaf-shoot regeneration and somaclone selection for sodium chloride tolerance in quince and pear. J Hort Sci Biotechnol, 80, 561–570.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Matkin, O.A. and Chandler, P.A. 1957. The U. C. -type soil mixes. In The U. C. System for Producing Healthy Container-grown Plants through the Use of Clean Soil, Clean Stock and Sanitation. California Agricultural Experiment Station Manual 23, Berkeley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Massai, R., Loreti, F. and Fei, C. 2008. Growth and yield of ‘Conference’ pears grafted on quince and pear rootstocks. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 800, 617–624.

    Google Scholar 

  • Masuda, T. and Yoshioka, T. 1997. In vitro selection of a mutant resistant to Alternaria blotch disease in ‘Indo’ apple. Tech. News Inst. Rad. Breed., 56, 1–2.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mielke, E.A. 2008. Status of the North American pear industry. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 800, 83–88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Monte-Corvo, L., Cabrita, L., Oliveira, C., and Leitão, J. 2000. Assessment of genetic relationships among Pyrus species and cultivars using AFLP and RAPD markers. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 47, 257–265.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mota, M., Tavares, L. and Oliveira, C.M. 2007. Identification of S-alleles in pear (Pyrus communis L.) cv. ‘Rocha’ and other European cultivars. Scientia Horticultura, 113, 13–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nicotra, A., Cobianchi, D., Faedi, W. and Manzo, P., 1979. Monografia di cultivar di pero, M.A.E, Istituto Sperimentale per la Frutticoltura, Roma 1979.

    Google Scholar 

  • Palombi, M.A., Lombardo, B. and Caboni, E. 2007. In vitro regeneration of wild pear (Pyrus pyraster Burgsd) clones tolerant to Fe-chlorosis and somaclonal variation analysis by RAPD markers. Plant Cell Reports, 26, 489–496.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pasqualini, E., Civolani, S., Musacchi, S., Ancarani, V., Dondini, L, Robert, P. and Baronio, P. 2006. Cacopsylla pyri behaviour on new pear selections for host resistance programs. Bulletin of Insectology, 59, 27–37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pierantoni, L., Cho, K.-H., Shin, I.-S., Chiodini, R., Tartarini, S., Dondini, L., Kang, S.-J., and Sansavini, S. 2004. Characterisation and transferability of apple SSRs to two European pear F1 population. Theor. Appl. Genet., 109, 1519–1524.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pierantoni, L., Dondini, L., Cho, K.-H.,. Shin, I.-S, Gennari, F., Chiodini, R., Tartarini, S., Kang, S.-J., and Sansavini, S. 2007. Pear scab resistance QTLs via a European pear (Pyrus communis) linkage map. Tree Genetics & Genomes, 3, 311–317.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pierantoni, L., Dondini, L., Musacchi, S., Wilkel, B.S. and Sansavini, S. 2009. Gene expression patterns of red color skin in Bartlett pear (Pyrus communis) and its bud mutation Max Red Bartlett. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 814, 567–570.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pierantoni, L., Dondini, L., De Franceschi, P., Musacchi, S., Winkel-Shirley, B.J., Sansavini, S. 2010. Mapping of an anthocyanin-regulating MYB transcription factor and its expression in red and green pear, Pyrus communis. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 48, 1020–1026.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Postman, J.D., Spotts, R.A. and Calabro, J. 2005. Scab resistance in pyrus germplasm. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 671, 601–608.

    Google Scholar 

  • Predieri, S. (2001) Mutation induction and tissue culture in improving fruits. Plant Cell Tissue Org Cult, 64, 185–210.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Predieri, S. and Zimmerman, R.H. 2001. Pear mutagenesis: in vitro treatment with gamma-rays and field selection for productivity and fruit traits. Euphytica, 117, 217–227.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Puterka, G.J., Bocchetti, C., Dang, P., Bell, R.L. and Scorza, R. 2002. Pear transformed with a lytic peptide gene for disease control affects nontarget organism, pear psylla (Homoptera: Psyllidae). Journal of Economic Entomology, 95, 797–802.

    Google Scholar 

  • Quamme, H.A. 1984. Observations of Psylla resistance among several pear cultivars and species. Fruit Varieties Journal, 38, 34–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Quartieri M., Tagliavini, M., Schiavon, L., Bassi, D. and Marangoni B. 2008. Nuove selezioni di portinnesti franchi (Pyrus communis). Italus Hortus, 6, 27–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reynoird, J.P., Mourgues, F., Norelli, J., Aldwinckle, H.S., Brisset, M.N. and Chevreau, E. 1999. First evidence for improved resistance to fire blight in transgenic pear expressing the attacin E gene from Hyalophora cecropia, Plant Sci., 149, 23–31.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rivalta, L. and Dradi, M. 1998. Miglioramento genetico del pero presso l’Istituto Sperimentale per la Frutticoltura di Forlì.- Rivista di Frutticoltura, 9, 51–57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rivalta, L., Dradi, M. and Rosati, C. 2002. Thirty years of pear breeding activity at ISF Forlì, Italy. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 596, 233–238.

    Google Scholar 

  • Robert P. and Raimbault T. 2005. Resistance of some Pyrus communis cultivars and Pyrus hybrids to the pear psylla Cacopsylla pyri (Homoptera, Psyllidae). Acta Hort., 671, 571–575.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roby, F. 1972a. Doce mutaciones en el peral William obtenidas por injertos de ramitasirradiadas. Rev Invest Agropec Ser 2, 9, 55–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roby, F. 1972b. Mutaciones inducida por irradiacion en el peral Packham’s Triumph. In: Induced Mutation and Plant Improvement, Buenos Aires, 1970, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, pp. 475–483.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodriguez, R., Diaz-Sala, C., Cuozzo, L. and Ancora, G. 1991. Pear in vitro propagation using a double-phase culture system. Hort Science, 26, 62–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sansavini, S. 1969. Ricerche sulla potatura di produzione del pero Passa Crassana. Atti “Giornate di studio sulla potatura degli alberi da frutto”. CNR- Firenze, 267–302.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sansavini, S. 1994. Performance of micropropagated pear trees. Acta Hort (ISHS), 367, 260–266.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sansavini, S; 2002. Pear fruting-branch models related to yield control and pruning. Acta Hort (ISHS), 596, 627–633.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sansavini, S. 2007. I portinnesti. In Angelici C. ed. Il pero, Bayer Cropscience. Collana Coltura& cultura, Milano, pp. 270–282.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sansavini, S and Ancarani V., 2008. Miglioramento genetico del pero e nuove varietà in Europa. Riv. Frutticoltura, 10, 28–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sansavini, S, Corelli, L. and Ragazzini, D. 1986a. Influenza delle gibberelline A3 e A 4+7 e di altri alleganti sulla partenocarpia e sulla ritenzione dei frutto di pero ‘Conference? Con impollinazione controllata. Riv. Frutticoltura, 6, 65–81.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sansavini, S., and Zocca, A., 1965. La diversa attitudine ad emettere. rami anticipati nelle cultivar di pero. Riv. Frutticoltura, 3, 233–241.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sanzol, J. and Herrero, M. 2002: Identifi cation of self-incompatibility alleles in pear cultivars (Pyrus communis L.). Euphytica 128, 325–331.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sanzol, J. 2009. Pistil-function breakdown in a new S-allele of European pear, S21°, confers self-compatibility. Plant Cell Rep, 28, 457–467.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sanzol, J., Sutherland, B.G. and Robbins, T.P. 2006. Identification of genomic DNA sequences of the S-ribonuclease gene associated with self incompatibility alleles S1 to S5 in European pear. Plant Breeding, 125, 513–518.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sassa, H., Kakui, H., Miyamoto, M., Suzuki, Y., Hanada, T., Ushijima, K., Kusaba, M., Hirano, H. and Koba, T. 2007. S locus F-box brothers: multiple and pollen-specific F-box genes with S haplotype-specific polymorphisms in apple and Japanese pear. Genetics, 175, 1869–1881.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sassa, H., Hirano, H., Nishio, T. and Koba, T. 1997. Style-specific self-compatible mutation caused by deletion of the S-RNase gene in Japanese pear (Pyrus serotina). Plant Journal, 12, 223–227.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Seavert, C.F. 2005. Pear production in the North America. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 671, 45–46.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sijacic, P., Wang, X., Skirpan, A.L., Wang, Y., Dowd, P.E., McCubbin. A.G., Huang, S. and Kao, T.H. 2004. Identification of the pollen determinant of S-RNase-mediated self-incompatibility. Nature 429, 302–305.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Silfverberg-Dilworth, E., Matasci, C., van de Weg, W.E., Van Kaauwen, M.P.W., Walser, M., Kodde, L.P., Soglio, V., Gianfranceschi, L., Durel, C.E., Costa, F., Yamamoto, T., Koller, B., Gessler, C. and Patocchi, A. 2006. Microsatellite markers spanning the apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.). Tree Genet Gen, 2, 202–224.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stern, R.A. 2008. Pyrus betulifolia is the best rootstock for the ‘Coscia’ pear in the warm climate of Israel. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 800, 631–638.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spiegel-Roy, P. 1990. Economic and agricultural impact of mutation breeding in fruit trees. Mutation Breeding Rev, 5, 1–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Takasaki, T., Moriya, Y., Okada, K., Yamamoto, K., Iwanami, H., Bessho, H. and Nakanishi, T. 2006. cDNA cloning of nine S-alleles and the establishment of a PCR-RFLP system for genotyping European pear cultivars. Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 112, 1543–1552.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Takos, A.M., Ubi, B.E., Robinson, S.P. and A.R. Walker, 2006. Condensed tannin biosynthesis genes are regulated separately from other flavonoid biosynthesis genes in apple fruit skin. Plant Sci, 170, 487–499.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thibault, B. and Paulin, J.P. 1984. Pear breeding and selection for fire blight resistance. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 161, 141–146.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thibault, B., Belouinm A. and Lecomtem P. 1989. Sensibilité variétale du poirier au feu bactérien. L’Alboriculture fruitière, 421, 139–148.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomson, S.V. 2000. Epidemiology of fire blight. In: Vanneste J.L. ed. Fire blight The Disease and its Causative Agent, Erwinia amylovora. CABI Publishing, Wallingford, United Kingdom. pp. 9–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tukey, H.B. 1964. Dwarfed fruit trees. Macmillan. New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • van der Zwet, T. and Bell, R.L. 1984. Comparative evaluation of the degree of fire blight resistance in various pears cultivars and selections. Acta Hort. 151, 267–275.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vasilakakis, M.D., Porlingis, I.C. 1985. Effect of temperature on pollen germination, pollen tube growth, effective pollination period and fruit set of pear. HortScience, 20, 733–735.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vavilov, N. 1951. The Origin, Variation, Immunity and Breeding of Cultivated Plants. Chronica Botanica, 13, 1–366.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vavra, M. and Orel, V. 1971. Hybridization of pear varieties by Gregor Mendel. Euphytica, 20, 60–67.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Villalta, O.N., Washington W.S. and McGregor G. 2004. Susceptibility of European and Asian pears to pear scab. Plant Prot. Q., 19, 2–4.

    Google Scholar 

  • Viseur, J. 1987. Micropropagation of pear, Pyrus communis L., in a double-phase culture medium. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 212, 117–124.

    Google Scholar 

  • Viseur, J. 1990. Evaluation of fire blight resistance of somaclonal variants obtained from the pear cultivar ‘Durondeau’. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 273, 275–284.

    Google Scholar 

  • Visser, T., Schaap, A.A. and De Vries, D.P. 1968. Acidity and sweetness in apple and pear. Euphytica, 17. 153–167.

    Google Scholar 

  • Visser, T. and De Vries, D.P. 1970. Precocity and productivity of propagated apple and pear seedlings as dependent on the juvenile period. Euphytica, 19, 141–144.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Visser, T., Verhaegh, J.J and De Vries D. 1971. Pre-selection of compact mutants induced by X-ray treatment in apple and pear. Euphytica, 20, 195–207.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Volz, R.K., White, A.G. and Brewer, L.R. 2008. Breeding for red skin colour in interspecific pears. Acta Hort. (ISHS), 800, 469–474.

    Google Scholar 

  • WAPA. 2009. Southern hemisphere fresh apple and pear crop forecast, February 2009. Eds. World Apple and Pear Association, Brussels (Belgium), 1–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weeden, N.F., Hemmat, M., Lawson, D.M., Lodhi, M., Bell, R.L., Manganaris, A.G., Reisch, B.I. and Brown, S.K. 1994. Development and application of molecular marker linkage maps in woody fruit crops. Euphytica, 77, 71–75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wertheim, S.J. 1998. Pear rootstock. In Wertheim S.J. ed. Rootstock Guide. Wilhelminadorp, Netherlands, pp. 61–82.

    Google Scholar 

  • Westigard, P.H., Westwood, M.N. and Lombard, P.B. 1970. Host preference and resistance of Pyrus species to the pear psilla Psylla pyricola Foerster. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 95, 34–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wunsch, A. and Hormaza, J.I., 2007. Characterization, variability and genetic similarity of European pear with SSRs. Sci. Horticult., 113, 37–43.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yamamoto, T., Kimura, T., Sawamura, Y., Kotobuki, K., Ban, Y., Hayashi, T., Matsuta, N. 2001 SSRs isolated from apple can identify polymorphism and genetic diversity in pear. Theor Appl Genet., 102, 865–870.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yamamoto, T., Kimura, T. Sawamura, Y., Manabe, T., Kotobuki. K,, Hayashi. T,, Ban. Y. and Matsuta N. 2002a. Simple sequence repeats for genetic analysis in pear. Euphytica, 124, 129–137.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yamamoto, T., Kimura, T., Shoda, M., Imai, T., Saito, T., Sawamura, Y., Kotobuki, K., Hayashi, T. and Matsuta, N. 2002b. Genetic linkage maps constructed by using an interspecific cross between Japanese and European pears. Theor Appl Genet., 106, 1–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yamamoto, T., Saito, T., Kotobuki, K., Matsuta, N., Liebhard, R., Gessler, C., Van de Weg, W.E. and Hayashi, T. 2004. Genetic linkage maps of Japanese and European pears aligned to the apple consensus map. Acta Hort., 663, 51–56.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yamamoto, T., Kimura, T., Terakami, S., Nishitani, C., Sawamura, Y., Saito, T., Kotobuki, K. and Hayashi, T. 2007. Integrated Reference Genetic Linkage Maps of Pear Based on SSR and AFLP Markers. Breeding Science, 57, 321–329.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yancheva, S.D., Shlizerman, L.A., Golubowicz, S., Yabloviz, Z., Perl, A., Hanania, U. and Flaishman, M.A. 2006. The use of green fluorescent protein (GFP) improves Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of ‘Spadona’ pear (Pyrus communis L.). Plant Cell Report, 25, 183–189.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zielinski, Q.B., Reimer, F.C. and Quackenbush, V.L. 1965. Breeding behaviour of fruit characteristics in pears, Pyrus communis L. Proceedings of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 86, 81–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zielinski, Q.B. and Thompson, M.M. 1967. Speciation in Pyrus: Chromosome number and mitotic behavior. Bot. Gaz., 128,109–112.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zisovich, A.H., Stern, R.A., Shafir, S. and Goldway, M. 2004. Identification of seven S-alleles from the European pear (Pyrus communis) and the determination of compatibility among cultivars. Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology, 79, 101–106.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, L.H., Li, X.Y., Ahlman, A. and Welander, M. 2003. The rooting ability of the dwarfing pear rootstock BP10030 (Pyrus communis) was significantly increased by introduction of the rolB gene. Plant Science, 165, 829–835.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zuccherelli, S., Tassinari, P., Broothaerts, W., Tartarini, S., Dondini, L. and Sansavini, S. 2002. S-allele characterization in self-incompatible pear (Pyrus communis L.). Sexual Plant Reproduction, 15, 153–158.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Colture Arboree, Università degli Studi di Bologna, via Fanin 46, Bologna, 40127, Italy

    Luca Dondini & Silviero Sansavini

Authors
  1. Luca Dondini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Silviero Sansavini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Luca Dondini .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Instituto Valenciano de, Valencia, 46113, Spain

    Marisa Luisa Badenes

  2. Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, 77843, Texas, USA

    David H. Byrne

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Dondini, L., Sansavini, S. (2012). European Pear. In: Badenes, M., Byrne, D. (eds) Fruit Breeding. Handbook of Plant Breeding, vol 8. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0763-9_11

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation