Pear variety Bergamot (Moscow, Autumn): 23 photos, description, planting, care and reviews from gardeners

Description of the variety

There are several varieties of Bergamot pears, their descriptions have similar characteristics:

• high frost resistance;
• tallness of the tree;
• flattened round shape of the fruit.

The main part of Bergamot varieties is characterized by a short shelf life of the fruit.

The Bergamot pear got its name due to the similarity of the flattened shape of the fruit to citrus.

Bergamot pear has a short shelf life

Tree

Almost all subspecies of Bergamot have a pyramidal or cone-shaped crown. This geometry ensures good ventilation and illumination of most of the branches, and the fruits ripen faster.

The trees grow tall - about 15 meters. The height of some hybrid forms is smaller.

The leaves on the underside are lighter in color than on the top. They are round or oblong in shape, with a pointed end. Blooming buds are slightly pubescent.

Fruit

The slightly flattened shape of the fruit sets Bergamot apart from other pears. The color of the skin changes from green to brighter shades (yellow, pink or reddish).

Weight ranges from 60 to 200 g. In some varieties, the fruits are one-dimensional in size. The pulp of the fruit is light, sometimes has a cream or yellowish tint.

The fruit has a harmonious sweet and sour taste, the flesh is juicy and dense. The varieties are characterized by noticeable granulation.

Advantages and disadvantages

In general, each variety has certain pros and cons - often completely opposite. If we take average indicators, then the advantages include:

• good yield,
• ease of care,
• resistance to drought,
• excellent taste.

Unfortunately, the variety is not without some drawbacks. For example, some varieties have short shelf life.

Note! Also, the variety often suffers from scab, to which it has practically no immunity.

This concludes the article. Having studied it, every gardener can easily decide whether the Bergamot pear is suitable for growing on his site or whether it is better to choose another option.

Growing regions

Bergamot pear is grown in many regions, including those where winters are quite cold. The varieties that exhibit the highest frost resistance are:

• Novik;
• Autumn;
• Rossoshansky.

Pears are grown in many regions, even where winters are quite cold

The first varieties of Bergamot developed were suitable for cultivation in the southern and some western regions of the country. The continuous work of breeders has expanded the boundaries of pear cultivation.

To which regions is the variety more adapted?

The main regions for growing Bergamot pears are Europe, China, Russia. There are northern and southern varieties - the choice should be made taking into account the climatic conditions of a particular region. The crop grows normally in all regions of the Russian Federation, but you will need to take care of its preparation for winter.

Bergamots can withstand frost well, but only if there is a properly organized shelter.

The problem of frost resistance and freezing of shoots can be solved by insulating the plantings. To do this, mulch the soil near young trees and seedlings in the fall, cover them with film, building insulators or a spruce branch. Adult branches are covered with roofing felt. Additionally, you can make a shelter out of snow by raking it to a tree trunk. Find out about mulching currants at this link.

Characteristics

Pear belongs to the category of autumn ripening varieties.

Main characteristics:

• The height, depending on the variety, reaches 7-15 m.
• Abundant flowering occurs in May. The inflorescences consist of white-pink or white petals.
• On average, a tree lives and bears fruit for about 20 years. There are long-livers, whose age can exceed 60 years. To maintain productivity, rejuvenating pruning is necessary.
• The harvest is formed annually, there is no frequency.
• All varieties are characterized by good or high frost resistance. Inflorescences may freeze slightly during returning spring frosts.
• Good immunity to diseases, excluding scab and powdery mildew. Young trees require mandatory protection from rodents.

Bergamot begins to bear fruit relatively late (at the age of 7-8 years). Some varieties produce their first harvest 5 years after planting.

Pollination and reproduction

The flowering period takes place at the end of May. A lot of inflorescences are formed, they cover almost the entire crown.

A lot of inflorescences are formed, they cover almost the entire crown

The crop is self-fertile and produces a good harvest even without pollinating neighbors. However, to increase the yield, it is recommended to grow pears closely, the flowering period of which coincides with the flowering of Bergamot.

Winter hardiness

The agrotechnical characteristics are determined by the selection variant of the fruit tree. At extremely low winter temperatures, most members of the family need insulation.

When grown in regions with cold and long winters, plants require high-quality thermal insulation shelter. Trees need special attention to temperature during the flowering period.

To protect fruit plantations from cold, use:

• Fumigation. Small fires are lit near the trunk. The smoke from the combustion of wood material is enough to maintain positive temperatures up to the top of the crown. The method is used when the mercury column drops below -20°C.
• Use of thermal insulating polymer film. The method is suitable exclusively for young trees that have not yet entered the active fruiting phase. The tree is wrapped with covering material and a lit candle is placed near the trunk.
• Agrofibre. The method does not require constant human intervention and is recommended by professional gardeners. A dome made of agrotechnical material increases the winter hardiness of even the most heat-loving varieties of Bergamot.
• Mulching. When grown in regions with cold winters and damp springs, the trunk circumference of young trees is sprinkled with natural material. The recommended mulch layer is 8-10 cm.

The winter hardiness of the plant is increased by spruce branches placed in a circle around the trunk. Additional insulation is created by snow cover swept into this area. It is advisable to lay agrofibre under the spruce branches.

The best varieties of Bergamot pears

There are several varieties of Bergamot, each of which has gained great popularity. Their main differences lie in the timing of harvest ripening, the characteristics of the fruit and the duration of their storage.

Novik

The pear was bred by breeder Michurin at the beginning of the 20th century.

Novik pear was bred by breeder Michurin

Distinctive features of the variety:

• High frost resistance allows you to grow pears in central and northern Russia.
• The tree begins to bear fruit 5 years after planting.
• The height of the tree does not exceed 15 m, the crown has a pyramidal shape.
• Flowering occurs at the end of May, the harvest begins at the end of August.
• Ripe medium-sized fruits are covered with a smooth yellow skin. Their weight is about 100 g.
• The juicy pulp is quite tough. The taste of the fruit is sweet.

The advantages include high productivity. The fruits are stored for no more than one week. Consumer maturity is indicated by the thin skin turning yellow.

Autumn

Like Novik, autumn Bergamot is highly resistant to severe winter frosts.

Main features of the variety:

• Medium-sized trees with a pyramidal crown.
• Fruiting begins 7-9 years after planting.
• The fruits ripen in the first ten days of September.
• The skin is colored yellow-green.
• The fruits are small in size, weighing approximately 80 g.
• The white, juicy pulp contains stony cells. The sweetness in the taste is diluted with light sourness.

Autumn bergamot begins to bear fruit 7-9 years after planting

The trees bear fruit consistently, delighting with a rich harvest. The fruits are not stored for long, so they require prompt processing.

Volzhsky

It differs from other varieties in its longer shelf life outside the refrigerator, which can reach up to one month.

Main characteristics of the variety:

• The tree is distinguished by its high growth vigor. The crown shape is oval-round.
• Productivity reaches 100 kg per tree.
• Fruits are stored for up to 25 days.
• Fruit weight is about 120 g.
• The juicy and sweet pulp is white with a greenish tint.

The yield reaches 100 kg per tree.
Juicy fruits for dessert purposes are harvested in early September. A noticeable blush appears on the green skin on the sunny side.

Moscow

The variety has an average yield. About 50 kg of fruits are removed from one tree.

Other features of the variety:

• Medium-sized trees have a rounded crown of medium density.
• The first harvest is harvested 4 years after planting.
• The weight of one pear is about 60 g.
• The fruits are round in shape and have a yellow skin color.
• The fruit pulp is quite dense, juicy and aromatic. The taste is dessert, sweet and sour.

Moscow bergamot has an average yield.
The harvest begins at the end of July. They are stored at room temperature for about 2 weeks, and in a cellar or household refrigerator for up to 2 months.

Varieties of Russian Bergamot

On the territory of the Russian Federation, several varieties of trees obtained artificially and which have become the fruit of the efforts of domestic breeders are actively cultivated. Russian varieties of Bergamot grown commercially are presented in the table.

The Moscow variety of garden crops has a long shelf life of ripe pears. In the refrigerator, such pears do not spoil for up to 3 months. An unusual representative of the family is a variety in memory of Prince Trubetskoy.

Characteristics of the Bergamot Autumn pear variety.

This garden tree is unpretentious to growing conditions and produces large fruits even with a lack of moisture. The plant is characterized by the formation of a high-density crown with elongated leaves.

Features of planting, growing and caring for pears

You need to buy Bergamot seedlings from trusted sellers or nurseries. It is recommended to give preference to annual or biennial trees. Landing can be carried out:

• in the spring before the buds swell;
• in autumn during the dormant period of the tree.

It is recommended to give preference to annual or biennial trees.
If the pear was not planted a month before the first frost, then it must be covered.

Sellers offer planting material with open and closed root systems:

• The roots of seedlings in containers should be visible through the drainage holes. They should be elastic, light-colored, without signs of disease or decay.
• Seedlings with a closed root system can be stored in the cellar until spring. Before transferring the tree to the planting hole, the earthen ball is well watered.
• Before planting, it is recommended to soak exposed roots in water for 8-12 hours, and then in a root former solution for a couple of hours.

Bergamot needs a place:

• remote from other trees and buildings at a distance of at least 6-7 m;
• protected from drafts and wind;
• well lit;
• with deep groundwater;
• fertile, with a neutral acidity level (pear prefers loam or black soil).

It is recommended to prepare the site six months before planting. The earth is dug up with the parallel removal of weeds and the application of organic fertilizers.

Pollinators

The Bergamot pear variety is partially self-fertile. To obtain a good harvest, other varieties of pears are needed that will serve as pollinators for this variety. The following varieties of pears should be used as pollinators for the Bergamot pear: Bessemyanka, Tonkovetka, Marble.

In turn, the Bergamot variety is used as a pollinator for the Moskvichka and Pamyat Zhegalova varieties.

Landing

The planting hole should be 30% larger than the volume of the root system. The soil is mixed with peat, sand and humus in equal parts, and 300 g of superphosphate is added. Mix everything until smooth.

Scheme of planting a Bergamot pear seedling

The landing algorithm is as follows:

1. A support peg is installed next to the central part.
2. A layer of drainage about 20 cm high (pebbles, expanded clay or broken brick) is poured onto the bottom.
3. A mound is formed over which the roots of the seedling are evenly distributed. After the hole is completely filled, the root collar should be located a couple of centimeters above the soil surface.
4. The roots are sprinkled with soil, filling the hole halfway. The earth is lightly compacted, after which the hole is filled completely.
5. 2-3 liters of water are poured in parts, preventing soil erosion.
6. The soil is loosened and mulched with peat or rotted sawdust.

The tree is tied to a support using a figure eight. This method will prevent the barrel from coming into contact with the peg.

Care

The health of mature trees is affected by:

• regular sanitary and thinning pruning;
• measures for the prevention of diseases and pests;
• timely mowing of tall grass and burning of fallen leaves.

Particularly careful care of trees is needed when they are young. Pears need to be watered regularly, loosen the soil and mulch.

Feeding and watering

After planting, young trees are watered at least twice a week. About 10 liters of water are poured at a time.

After planting, young trees are watered at least twice a week.

After each watering, the soil must be loosened to ensure air access to the roots.

Basic rules of watering:

1. The number of irrigations and the volume of water depend on weather conditions. Overmoistening of the soil can lead to rotting of the roots. In dry weather conditions, watering is carried out at least once a week.
2. During the period of formation and ripening of pears, the soil should be moderately moist. Otherwise, the juiciness of the fruit is lost.
3. The soil should be moistened to a depth of 60-65 cm. To determine the moisture level, a few minutes after watering, dig a hole and assess the condition of the soil.
4. To water an adult tree, a radial trench is made along the projection of the crown.

To maintain immunity, the tree must receive nutrients in a timely manner. The pear is fed with mineral and organic fertilizers. They can be applied under digging, as well as by spraying the crown with an aqueous solution of mineral compounds.

Fertilizer application scheme:

1. The first portion of fertilizer is placed in the planting hole.
2. Before the start of fruiting, organic fertilizers are applied once every 3 years for the autumn digging of the trunk circle.
3. From the moment the pear begins to bear fruit, nitrogen fertilizers are applied in early spring, and in the fall the tree is fed with potassium-phosphorus compounds. The quantity is determined according to the instructions depending on the age of the tree.

The application of dry fertilizers is combined with watering. Nutrients reach the roots only with water.

Organic fertilizers are used in the fall every three years. In spring, the tree needs nitrogen.

In spring, the pear needs to be fed with nitrogen fertilizer.

Trimmings

The crown of trees requires the least formative pruning. Every year it is mandatory to carry out sanitary pruning. Immediately after winter and in the fall, remove dry, frozen, broken and pest-infested branches.

In the spring, maintenance pruning is carried out. At the same time, tops, shoots that grow inside the crown or downwards, as well as those that block the access of light to other fruit-bearing branches are removed.

Rejuvenation

Bergamot is a long-liver; trees can bear fruit for several decades (some varieties produce fruit even after 50 years). Maintaining high yields of old trees directly depends on crown rejuvenation.

The procedure begins in early spring, when the tree is dormant. The onset of sap flow prevents the wounds from healing quickly.

Crown rejuvenation begins with its thinning. Remove shoots:

• sick, damaged and frozen;
• non-fruiting shoots;
• competitors;
• crowns growing downwards and at a very acute angle to the trunk.

Scheme for rejuvenating pear pruning
If at this stage it was necessary to remove many branches, then it is better to postpone further rejuvenation until next spring.

Further pruning to stimulate the growth of new fruiting shoots is carried out from top to bottom:

1. The central conductor is cut by a third or half. You need to leave the first two tiers of skeletal branches with a distance of 1 m between each other. The trunk is cut out above the topmost branch.
2. About 5-6 strong branches are left on each tier. The rest are cut into rings.
3. All weak, awkwardly growing, crossing shoots are removed from the skeletal branches.
4. Cut out the root shoots

Tree rejuvenation should be carried out in several stages. The interval can last 1-2 years. Removing a large part of the crown creates a stressful situation for the pear, to which it reacts with a decrease in immunity and a deterioration in the quality of the crop.

Fruit ripening

The harvest ripens in summer or autumn. Depending on the subspecies of Bergamot - at the end of July-October.

It is recommended to remove fruits from the tree without waiting for them to fully ripen. For some varieties, this must be done two weeks before consumer maturity.

Preparing for winter

After harvesting, they move on to preparing the tree for wintering:

1. Mummified dried fruits and fallen leaves are removed. The best solution is burning. Fungal spores survive in compost heaps.
2. Water-recharging irrigation is carried out (50-100 liters per tree).
3. Before the onset of cold weather, the trunk and bases of skeletal branches are whitened with a solution of lime with the addition of copper sulfate.
4. The tree trunk circles are covered with a layer of mulch about 10 cm high (dry leaves, rotted sawdust, crushed tree bark or peat are suitable).
5. Young trees are completely covered with insulating, breathable material. Spruce branches are placed on top.
6. To protect against rodents, nets are used or burlap is impregnated with repellent drugs.

To protect against rodents, the trunk of the pear is wrapped in a net.
Fallen snow is covered with the trunk and the ground near it.

Collection and storage of fruits

Basic rules for harvesting:

• Harvest fruits in dry weather.
• Avoid harvesting on hot days. Condensation accumulates on heated fruits after storage, which negatively affects the keeping quality of the fruits.
• Only fruits with preserved stalk and intact skin are suitable for storage.
• It is recommended to wear gloves on your hands when harvesting. Even short nails can damage the skin.
• The collected pears are placed in boxes in one or two layers, separated by dry paper or newspapers.
• You can use wooden or plastic boxes with perforations.

Depending on the variety, the fruits are stored from 1 week to 3-6 months. To increase shelf life, pears are stored in the refrigerator or cellar.

Care

Bergamot varieties are generally unpretentious, but for the full development of the pear and maintaining the health of the plant, watering, fertilizing and other necessary procedures should be carried out in a timely and regular manner. More materials on this issue can be found by following the links below.

How to care for a pear Pruning a pear Pruning a columnar pear Treating a pear from diseases and pests Feeding a pear How to water a pear

Diseases and pests

Bergamot can be affected by the diseases and pests presented in the table.

Scab on a pear

Fruit rot

Powdery mildew

Green aphids on pear
Preventive measures are as follows:

• caring for the tree trunk (removing weeds, loosening, mulching);
• disinfection of pruning instruments before and after the procedure;
• covering the cuts with garden varnish or drying oil-based paint;
• spring and autumn whitewashing of the trunk with the capture of the bases of skeletal branches;
• preventive spraying with Bordeaux mixture (2.5-3%) in early spring before buds open;
• the use of fungicides during the formation of ovaries;
• collecting fallen leaves and burning them.

To maintain immunity, the tree needs to receive nutrients in the form of fertilizers in a timely manner.

The Bergamot pear variety has quite a few subspecies, united by the characteristic slightly flattened shape of the fruit. Most of them have good frost resistance and produce a stable, rich harvest. A correctly chosen place for growing, compliance with the rules of agricultural technology during planting and further care are important for the favorable development of the tree. Bergamot pears are long-lived; to increase the fruiting period, anti-aging pruning is necessary.

Tree pruning

A similar operation is carried out in order to regulate the growth and illumination of the crown, eliminate old and dried branches, and increase productivity.

Advice! The operation is carried out at an air temperature not lower than + 5˚ C.

There are two methods for pruning Bergamot pears.

1. Branch trimming involves cutting off the top parts of branches and annual growths. Thanks to this method, the “pulling” of the tree upward is stopped and the horizontal growth of branches is stimulated.
2. Thinning is intended to remove growth branches at their very base. Thanks to this method, it is easier for sunlight to enter the crown and improves air exchange. These measures lead to an increase in the protective properties of the Bergamot pear variety and an increase in its yield.

For pruning in spring, a period is selected when severe frosts have ended, but the growing season has not yet begun. The main goal is to remove branches growing inside the crown.

The top of one-year-old seedlings is shortened so that in the future the crown of Bergamot does not darken and the lower branches grow.

The next season, the skeleton of the crown is already formed: the central conductor is cut to a quarter of its length.

When pruning young Bergamot pears, you should not get carried away, as this can lead to later fruiting.

In old pears, the shoots are shortened by half or two-thirds of their length. Thanks to this, the trees rejuvenate.

Rules of agricultural technology

The optimal place for planting Bergamot seedlings is illuminated areas on a hill. From the soil it is better to give preference to black soil and loam.

Landing algorithm:

The pit for planting must be prepared in advance. Based on the parameters of the root system, the dimensions of the recess will be selected (as a rule, the depth is 40-50 cm, and the diameter is 70-85 cm). Fertilizer is applied in the form of a mixture of soil with ash, superphosphate, humus and peat. A peg is driven into either side of the center to tie up a fragile tree

Otherwise, under the influence of gusts of wind and under its own weight, the seedling will become deformed. The seedling is lowered into the hole, the root system is carefully straightened. As the hole is filled, the soil is compacted so that cavities do not form between the roots

The root collar should be located 5-7 cm above the ground surface.

Growing

Important: the optimal time for planting is the end of April or the first half of autumn, preferably in October

Tree pruning

Sanitary pruning is carried out in order to form the correct shape of the crown and thin it out, as well as to remove old, non-fruit-bearing, dry, damaged and frozen branches. You can start pruning when the air temperature is above 5 degrees.

There are two methods for pruning Bergamot trees:

• Removing annual growth and top parts of branches. Thanks to this approach, it is possible to control the upward extension of the tree, stimulating the growth of lateral shoots.
• A thinning method that involves cutting off growth branches at their base. This allows for uniform distribution of sunlight throughout the entire crown and improves air circulation. As a result, fruiting increases and the tree becomes less vulnerable to fungal diseases.

In the first years of life, seedlings need abundant watering. The optimal amount is 3-4 times during the growing season, each time at least 20-30 liters.

Please note: the first watering is recommended to be done before the ovary begins to grow, all subsequent times - throughout the remaining growing season

It is very important to water the plant correctly. Under no circumstances should you pour water on the root collar.

A groove must be formed around the trunk. The soil should be moistened to a depth of half a meter

Under no circumstances should you pour water on the root collar. A groove must be formed around the trunk. The soil should be moistened to a depth of half a meter

It is very important to water the plant correctly. Under no circumstances should you pour water on the root collar.

A groove must be formed around the trunk. The soil should be moistened to a depth of half a meter.

Important: the last watering is moisture recharging and is carried out in late autumn during leaf fall

An integral part of caring for fruit trees is their pruning. More often, sanitary and anti-aging pruning is carried out. The need for formative pruning arises much less frequently, since the crown of pear trees is formed naturally.

Sanitary pruning is usually carried out twice - in spring and autumn. This type of pruning involves the removal of dry and broken branches, as well as those that have been affected by various diseases or pests. In addition, sometimes so-called tops form on frozen shoots. The reason for their appearance, by the way, may be an excessive amount of nitrogen-containing fertilizers applied, or too much watering of the tree. It is also recommended to remove the emerging tops, since these shoots help slow down the growth of skeletal branches.

Anti-aging pruning is aimed at stimulating the growth of new fruit-bearing shoots. To begin with, cut off the central conductor. From the point where the skeletal branches are located at large intervals, they retreat up the trunk 3.5 meters and cut off the top. Next, several skeletal branches located in the upper part of the new crown are removed. Next year you can shorten several skeletal and semi-skeletal branches. After pruning, the length of the shoots should be no more than 1 meter.