Eugene A. Mielke

Effects of Rootstock and Training System on Fruit Quality and Peel Nutrient Content in ‘d'Anjou’ Pears: I. Post-Storage Fruit Quality

Abstract In a 3-year trial involving 28 ‘Bosc’ rootstock-training systems combinations, rootstock-training system induced differences were found in only three of the post-storage problem areas (decay, scab, and limb rub) studied for ‘Bosc’ pears. Significant differences occurred among years; however, no one year was considered “good” or “bad” for post-storage problems. Yearly patterns in post-storage problems varied with the problem. The significant differences that occurred between rootstock-training system combinations may have resulted from root-stock or training system combination effects on vigor or modification of the fruit nutrient content which was then related to the post-storage problem area. Significant combination X year interactions occurred for external cork spot and flesh browning. No one rootstock-training system combination had the greatest or least amount of any of the storage problems.

Effects of rootstock and training system on fruit quality and peel nutrient content in 'd'Anjou' pears: II. Peel nutrient content

Abstract In a 3-year trial involving 28 ‘Bosc’ rootstock-training systems combinations, significant rootstock-training system induced differences occurred in all peel mineral elements measured for ‘Bosc’ pears. Significant combination X year interactions occurred in peel Ca and Fe. No one rootstock training system combination ranked either “highest” or “lowest” for nutrient content for all the elements evaluated.