Origine convinced of Fred pear potential after first Italian harvest

The first Italian harvest of the Fred pear has been a success, according to Origine Group, whose members have exclusive rights to grow the red-blush pear in Italy.

Fred is known for its productivity, early production, low sensitivity to fire blight and, most important of all, excellent tolerance to brown spotting.

“The resistance to brown spotting, attested by the research carried out in 2021 by Dr Marina Collina of the University of Bologna, has been fully confirmed in the field,” the company revealed. “Next to the Abate plots heavily affected by the spotting, the Fred plants were perfectly healthy and required far fewer treatments.”

Harvested fruits have reportedly been of a good shape and size, with an excellent sugar content. These will apparently be stored for a few weeks before entering the market.

Tonnage is limited to a few dozen this year, but in the coming years the plots planted in the last three years are expected to come into production, with commercial volumes set to rise rapidly.

“The interest in this crop is confirmed by the participation of over 50 farmers and technicians in the Open Day organised before harvesting,” Origine Group stated. “During the meeting the characteristics of Fred, which represents one of the few available varietal novelties for pears, were analysed. “A novelty not only from the production point of view but also for consumption, Fred combines the qualities that pear lovers appreciate, such as delicate sweetness and aroma, with crunchy and yet juicy texture.”