Comparative performance of some pear cultivars on southern aspect of wet temperate zone in Western Himalaya

The studies were conducted at experimental farm of Temperate Horticultural Research Station, Kotkhai to compare the performance of 12 pear cultivars for their fruit quality and leaf nutritional status. Various cultivars under study differed significantly with respect to their fruit physico-chemical characteristics and leaf nutrient contents. Cultivar Red Bartlett had highest fruit length (82.37 mm, whereas, fruit diameter (76.65 mm) and fruit weight (193.50 g) were recorded significantly higher in cultivar Max Red Bartlett. Cultivar Starking Delicious exhibited highest total soluble solids (16.05°Brix), TSS/acid ratio (66.27) and minimum titratable acidity (0.28%). The highest fruit firmness (15.40 lbs/inch2) was recorded in cv. Beurre Hardy, whereas significantly higher total sugars content (5.95%) and reducing sugars content (5.03) were registered by Doyenne du Comice and Kala Hathi, respectively. The cultivars Aval Number, Max Red Bartlett and Flemish Beauty exhibited highest leaf nitrogen (2.31%), phosphorus (0.212%) and potassium (1.96%) contents, respectively. On the basis of fruit physicochemical characteristics, Red Bartlett, Max Red Bartlett, Starking Delicious, Doyenne du Comice and Beurre Hardy were found suitable for cultivation in zone III of Himachal Pradesh.