Victoria Pear

Synonyms: pear Zhiffar

Victoria Pear (Pyrus communis Victoria) – an early-autumn cultivar of the common pear (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana). Obtained at the Melitopol Experimental Horticultural Station named after M. F. Sidorenko IS NAAN by breeders P. V. Grozditsky, I. N. Boyko, E. A. Avramenko, G. I. Kulikov, I. N. Maksimova from a cross between the cultivars Bere Bosc and Tolstobezhka.

It is a medium-sized tree. The crown is rounded-pyramidal, of medium density. Fruits mainly on ring spurs. The onset of vegetation is relatively late, which prevents the flowers from being damaged by late spring frosts.

Fruits are above average in size, weighing 200-250 g, of regular pyriform shape, uniform. Skin smooth, at picking maturity greenish-yellow with a bright purple blush on most of the fruit surface. Subcutaneous lenticels small but well visible, numerous. Pedicel long, curved. Calyx closed, the basin shallow, smooth. The flesh is white, tender, juicy, without granulation, aromatic, xilo-sweet in taste (4.5 points). Composition: sugars – 7.8%, titratable acids – 0.40%, dry matter – 13.0%, ascorbic acid – 5.8 mg/100g, R-active catechins – 38.0 mg/100g. Picking maturity occurs August 20-30. Fruits hold firmly on the pedicels. Fruits are stored for about a month, with sufficient cooling – significantly longer. Transportability is good.

The tree begins to bear fruit 6-7 years after planting. It fruits annually, yield is high (185-195 kg from a mature tree). The cultivar is partially self-fertile, parthenocarpic fruits may form.

Recommended pollinators:

Hardiness zone: 5a (-29°C).

Site: demanding of soil and environmental conditions. Prefers deep and fertile, loose, moist soils with a small clay content. Prefers sunny but not scorching, wind-sheltered locations. Drought resistance high, heat resistance medium.

Planting: plant seedlings preferably in spring, but can also be in autumn. Pear seedlings generally have a poorly developed root system, so in the first 2 years the pear practically does not grow. The soil from the hole should be mixed with organic and mineral-potassium fertilizers. Fill the mixture to the edge of the hole. The root collar should be left 3 cm above ground level.

Diseases and pests: the cultivar is resistant to scab.

Uses: fruits are mainly consumed fresh. It is distinguished by high taste and commercial qualities, annual and abundant fruiting, and resistance to scab.