Growth and Development of Huafeng Pear

Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai. ‘Huafeng’ is a new superior pear cultivar derived from the cross of ‘Niitaka’ × ‘Hosui’. To investigate the growth and development of huafeng pear, we measured stem circumference and branch length and analyzed leaf and fruit nutrients. Huafeng pear grew fast at its first 1-3 years with vigorous branches. The stem circumference increased 142% at the first three year, which was higher than its stem growth at 120% from 4-6 years. The one-year fruit branches grew well with high percentage of flower buds (average at 63.2%) and their fruiting capacity was similar to that of the two and three-year’s fruit branches. In 30 to 150 days after blossom, SPAD increased gradually from 39.6 to 48.8. The contents of P, K and Mg in leaves decreased gradually from 0.058% to 0.124%, 1.07% to 1.48%, 0.250% to 0.332%, respectively. Both Ca and N content increased from 1.10% to 2.37% and 2.08% to 2.85%. The increment of fruit size showed a ‘W’ shape, a trend of “fast-slow-fast-slow-fast”. The increase of water content in fruit was similar to the change of fruit size, i.e. water content was higher when the fruit size increased faster. Inorganic matters changed fast in early fruit stage. The K content showed a highest change from the period of young fruits (1.092g×100g-1 FW) to mature fruits (1.035g×100g-1 FW). Fruit sugar content exhibited progressive accumulation and its highest content was 9.83 g×100g-1 FW in mature fruits. Organic acid displayed a trend of “decline-rise-decline” pattern and the lowest level was at the mature fruit. Therefore, growers should harvest huafeng pear within 150 to 160 days after blossom.