Korsunskaya Pear

Груша Корсунская (Pyrus communis Korsuns'ka) – a summer cultivar of the common pear. Obtained at the Mliiv Institute of Horticulture named after L.P. Symyrenko by crossing the cultivars Aleksandrovka x Lyubimitsa Klappa in 1934. Breeder: I.Kh. Shidenko. The cultivar is included in the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine and is approved for use in the Forest-Steppe zone.

It is a vigorous, fast-growing tree forming a broad-pyramidal, medium-density crown. Main branches depart from the trunk at an angle of 50–55 degrees. Shoot-forming ability is average.

Blooms in mid-season. Cropping is abundant and regular, mainly on spurs and fruiting shoots. In the 12th–14th year after planting in the orchard, yield is from 218 to 312 centners/ha. When grafted on wild pear rootstock it begins to bear in the 6th–7th year after planting in the orchard.

Fruits are medium-sized, average weight (120–150 g), broadly pyriform, slightly lumpy, and have an attractive appearance. The skin is thin but firm, smooth, yellowish-green, becoming straw-colored at ripeness. Most fruits on the sun-exposed side have a beautiful delicate red-pink blush. The skin feels oily to the touch and is covered with a light waxy bloom. The flesh is white, juicy, buttery, tender, sweet, of high taste quality. Taste rating – 4.5–4.7 points. Harvest maturity of fruits – late August. Fruits are ready to eat immediately after picking. Under ordinary conditions fruits can be stored for 2–3 weeks, in a refrigerator – up to 3 months.

Best pollinizers: Lyubimitsa Klappa, Williams, Bere Prekos Morettin, Bere Jiffar.

Hardiness zone: 4 (-30 to -34°C). Flowers are highly resistant to spring frosts.

Site: demanding of growing conditions. Less winter-hardy and more warmth-loving than the apple tree. Poorly tolerates early autumn frosts, alternating thaws and frosts, and spring frosts (buds die at -4°C). Prefers loose, moist soil with a small clay content. Prefers sunny but not scorching, wind-protected locations.

Planting: plant seedlings preferably in spring, but autumn is also possible. Pear seedlings typically have a poorly developed root system, so in the first 2 years the pear practically does not grow. Soil from the hole must be mixed with organic and mineral-potassium fertilizers. Fill the mixture to the rim of the hole. Leave the root collar 3 cm above ground level.

Diseases: Resistance to scab is high. Scab infection is possible only in certain years.

Pests: pear gall mite.

Use: fruits are used fresh, and for making compotes and jams. Storability and transportability are good.