Effect of Simulated Frost Injury on Fruit Development in Three Pear Cultivars1

Abstract Simulated frost injury to ovaries at intervals after full bloom significantly increased fruit malformation, reduced fruit weight, and increased fruit drop in ‘Bartlett’, ‘Bosc’, and ‘Comice’ pear ( Pyrus communis L.). Time of injury did not affect fruit weight and malformation in most cases, but did significantly affect fruit drop. Significant positive correlations were found between fruit weight and seed content, while negative correlations were found between fruit malformation and seed content for all cultivars.