Pear Production and Handling Manual

Authors: E. J. Mitcham and R. Elkins. 2007, 215 pages

Description: This publication provides basic information on the growth and fruit development of pears, as well as practical considerations on pear culture. It was written with California Bartlett pear production in mind, but will be useful for worldwide growers of all pear varieties.

Also included is information on orchard and tree management (including varieties), propagation and rootstock selection, training pruning, orchard floor management, irrigation, fertilization, irrigation systems, frost protection, nutrition, pest management, harvesting, and extensive information on postharvest storage and handling.

Table of Contents:

Part 1. Introduction and Pear Industry Overview
Introduction
History and Overview of the California pear Industry
Marketing
Economic Consideration
Part 2. Pear Orchard and Tree Management
Varieties
Propagation and Rootstock Selection
Orchard Establishment
Vegetative Growth and Fruit Development
Canopy and Light Management
Training Young Trees
Pruning Mature Trees
Plant Bioregulators
Orchard Floor Management
Part 3. Irrigation and Fertilization of Pears
Water Relations
Irrigation Scheduling
Irrigation Systems
Frost Protection
Nutrition
Nitrogen Fertilization
Part 4. Pest Management in Pears
Insect and Mite Pests
Diseases
Part 5. Postharvest Handling of Pears
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Reducing Fruit Injury during Postharvest Handling and Transportation
Postharvest Handling of Winter Pears
Controlled Atmospheres
Conditioning and Ripening of Bartlett Pears
Glossary
Index
Color Plates