Pear Bere Bosc or Pear Bere Alexander

The Bere Bosc pear – an old cultivar of French selection. It was raised in the 18th century near Apremon by sowing seeds of unknown origin. It was named in honor of the French pomologist Bosc. It is recommended for cultivation in Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, Armenia and the republics of Central Asia.

It is a medium-sized tree with a large, open, asymmetrical pyramidal crown. In its youth it grows quickly. Branches are kinked and long. It bears fruit on ring spurs and short spurs.

Shoots grayish-brown, thick; lenticels small, buds appressed. Leaves ovate in shape, with an elongated tip, large, thick, entire-margined, dark green, smooth, borne on a short petiole.

Flowers widely spreading, large, gathered in clusters of 10-20, petals oblong-oval in shape, margins wavy, notched, cold-hardy, bloom late. The pistil styles are shorter than the stamens.

Begins to bear in the 6th-7th year after planting. Fruits are above average or large, 150-220 g, elongated bottle-shaped; other forms sometimes occur on the same tree. The skin is yellowish-brown, thin, fully russeted, rough; upon ripening it becomes golden-russeted. The pedicel is long, thick, curved; the stem cavity is practically absent; the calyx basin is narrow, flat, with folded walls, the calyx is open. The seed cavity is large, bulb-shaped, apical; seeds small, wide, short-pitcher-shaped, well developed, dark. The flesh of the fruit is white or creamy, tender, melting in the mouth, very juicy and sweet, aromatic, with an almond note and spiciness. Tasting score 4.4-4.8 points. Harvest period September 5-15. Storage life 25-30 days. Yield at 16-19 years - 80-100 centners/ha, at 24-29 years – 160-180 centners/ha. Fruits are well transportable, set in pairs or threes, ripen unevenly, and do not fall at maturity.

Hardiness zone 6a

Site: not demanding of soil, prefers moderately moist, light-textured soil. Prefers sunny open locations. Not very drought-tolerant.

Pruning: pruning is similar to that for the common pear.

Diseases and pests: only slightly affected by scab

Uses: the variety is widely used in breeding. Fruits are consumed fresh and dried, and used for making jam and juices.