Bergamot pear variety and a large number of its subspecies

Bergamot pear: variety description

Bergamot pear: photo of variety

The Bergamot pear variety is a composite variety and includes several varieties of pears, distinguished by their flattened-rounded fruit shape. Bergamot pears have been known and loved by gardeners for many years. In addition to their taste characteristics, the popularity of these varieties is also due to the possibility of growing them in many regions, including those with rather cold winters. Winter-hardy varieties include such varieties as the Bergamot Novik pear, authored by I.V. Michurin, as well as the autumn Bergamot pear and the Bergamot Rossoshansky pear. It is thanks to the work of breeders that the geography of growing pears of this variety has expanded significantly. After all, previously, Bergamot pears were recommended only for a few regions in the south and west of the country.

The name of the pear variety Bergamot is associated with Bergamo - this is the city in Italy where, according to some sources, this variety of pears was first bred. Also, there is a version that this name is due to the external similarity of the fruits of the Bergamot pear and the fruits of the plant of the same name.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at the features of one of the most popular varieties of Bergamot pears, and also learn about how to grow this fruit crop and ensure proper care for it.

Characteristics of wood

Pear is an autumn-ripening fruit tree, widespread in southern Asian and European countries. The culture belongs to the rose family; its height can range from 7 to 25 meters.

Leaves are ovate, oblong, rounded. When the buds open, they become pubescent, large leaves grow smooth, bright green, shiny, their bottom is usually lighter than the top. The buds begin to bloom on flower stalks collected in inflorescences. Petals are white, white-pink.

The Bergamot pear does not bear fruit before the age of eight.

Pollinator varieties and self-fertility

The variety is self-fertile and bears fruit normally even without nearby pollinating crops. But if you want to increase yield, plant the crop near other pear varieties.

Lifespan

Maximum fruiting occurs in the first years; the lifespan of a tree, provided proper care, can be 20 years or more.

Winter hardiness

The tree is winter-hardy, highly productive (up to 140 kg per tree per season). In severe frosts, pears may freeze slightly.

Productivity

The Bergamot variety has no seasonal fruiting; it can produce crops for 20 years in a row. In the future, in order to extend the fruiting period, rejuvenating pruning is recommended. The average number of fruits that can be collected from one tree is 80 kg.

Bergamot pear: features of the variety

Bergamot pear: photo

Most Bergamot pear trees have a pyramidal or cone-shaped crown. As is known, for fruit crops this crown shape is the most optimal in terms of lighting and ventilation of the tree, which ultimately contributes to better ripening of the fruit. The height of mature trees does not exceed 15 meters, which is the average value for this fruit crop. After all, some pear trees can grow more than 25 meters in height.

Bergamot pear leaves are round, slightly oblong. The top of the platinum sheet is bright green, and the bottom is slightly lighter. As a rule, in most regions, the flowering period of pears occurs at the end of spring. At this time, the trees in pear orchards are literally covered with white and pink inflorescences.

Fruiting of the Bergamot pear begins no earlier than eight years later. However, given that the pear is one of the long-lived trees, this is not even the middle of its life cycle. Of course, the highest yield is observed precisely in the first years after the start of fruiting. During this period, on average, up to 80 kg of fruits are removed from one tree. And the maximum yield of one tree can reach 140 kg.

With proper and timely care, you can harvest for many years to come. There are known cases of Bergamot pears bearing fruit for as long as 20 years.

Bergamot pears are classified as self-fertile varieties; they produce a good harvest even in the absence of pollinating neighbors. However, for greater fruiting, experts still advise planting pears of different varieties.

As already noted, Bergamot pears are distinguished by their rounded and slightly flattened shape; it is thanks to this that this variety can be immediately distinguished from others. The color of the fruit is varied, from light green to various shades of yellow and red. On average, the weight of one pear is 150-200g. The peel is thin, the flesh is light, sweet in taste, juicy, with the graininess characteristic of pear fruits. By the way, the cause of granularity is the so-called stony cells - sclereids. Due to their presence in the pulp, experts do not advise people with gastrointestinal diseases to abuse these fruits.

The calorie content of Bergamot pear fruit is about 60 kcal per 100 grams. The pear contains many essential microelements, vitamins and fatty acids for the human body. The shelf life of the fruit, depending on the variety, is up to two months.

Bergamot pear bark is used in industry and is used to dye various fabrics. Bergamot pear wood is a good ornamental material. And thanks to its texture, this wood is often used as an imitation of one of the most expensive materials - ebony (or ebony). Also, this variety is distinguished by good resistance to many diseases characteristic of pears.

Bergamot Moscow

The improved Moscow Bergamot was developed by a group of scientists led by S.T. Chizhov on the basis of the Moscow Agricultural Academy named after. K.A. Timiryazev. It was zoned for the Central region. The fruits are medium or large, about 150 grams. Their flesh is dense and juicy, and the skin is yellow-green with a pinkish blush. The taste is pleasant, sweet with sourness. Pears ripen in the first ten days of September and are stored for a short time, until the end of the month. Can be stored in refrigerated storage for up to 60 days. The yield is low, about 20 kg per tree. The fruits can not only be eaten fresh, but also prepared into compotes, jams and juices.

Trees of medium height, with a compact crown. The form is self-fertile, but when planted together with the Marble or Naryadnaya Efimova varieties, the yield increases due to cross-pollination. Fruiting occurs in the 4th year. Frost resistance and resistance to scab and other major fungal diseases are high. Bergamot Moscow is also not without its drawbacks. Like his brother, he loves moist soils. During dry seasons, the quality of pears deteriorates greatly, they become coarser, and astringency appears in the taste.

a brief description of

Bergamot pear: variety varieties

Bergamot pear variety: photo

The Bergamot pear variety has several varieties.

Pear Bergamot Novik

Pear Bergamot Novik: photo

This is a Michurin variety with more than half a century of history. Mentions of it can be found in the Bulletin of Horticulture and Horticulture of the first half of the 20th century, where it was described as a new hardy variety for the central and northern part of Russia.

After this amount of time, we can indeed speak with confidence about the high frost resistance of the variety. Also, it is necessary to note its high productivity. However, you should not delay processing pears; despite the rather hard peel and dense pulp, the fruits are stored for only a little more than one week. Fully ripened fruits are medium in size and yellow in color.

A pear tree of this variety grows no more than 15 meters in height and forms a pyramidal crown. Pears begin to bloom towards the end of May, and harvesting begins earlier than mid-September.

Pear Bergamot Autumn

Autumn Bergamot pear: photo of variety

Autumn Bergamot pear trees also withstand cold winters quite steadfastly. Flowering occurs in May, and the fruits ripen in the first ten days of September. The Bergamot autumn pear variety is distinguished by good and stable yields. The fruits are juicy, but at the same time, the shelf life of the Bergamot autumn pear is short.

Bergamot Volzhsky

Pear Bergamot Volzhsky: photo

Pears of this variety have, perhaps, the longest shelf life indoors. Pears do not lose their quality for almost a whole month from the moment they are collected. The fruits are sweet in taste, with juicy pulp. They have a green color with a reddish side. The harvest period is early autumn.

Pear Bergamot Dagestan

Pear Bergamot of Dagestan: photo

Experts classify this hybrid as a winter variety that, as a rule, has a long storage period and is frost-resistant. The pears are quite large in size, on average 100-130 grams, slightly oval in shape, have a greenish-yellow color, and have a slight sour taste. The fruits ripen after harvesting, which is harvested in the last ten days of October.

Pear Bergamot Rossoshansky

Bergamot Rossoshansky pear: photo of the variety

Trees of the pear variety Bergamot Rossoshansky are distinguished by a reverse pyramidal crown and not too high yield. The pears themselves are small, weighing no more than 80 grams, but at the same time, sweet and juicy. They are colored greenish-yellow with a reddish side. The harvest can be stored for about a month, and at a temperature of +2...+4 degrees a little longer. Also, the Bergamot Rossoshansky pear variety is characterized as frost-resistant and slightly susceptible to disease.

Pear Bergamot Moscow

Bergamot Moscow pear: photo of the variety

Bergamot Moscow pear is a medium-yielding variety, but at the same time, the fruits grow quite large, at least 150 grams. Pears taste sweet and sour. The fruits of the Bergamot Moscow pear are round in shape and greenish-yellow in color. Harvesting can begin in the third decade of September. The shelf life of Bergamot Moscow pears is two weeks, and in cool conditions the fruits can maintain quality for a couple of months.

Diseases and pests

The condition of the tree must be monitored throughout the season. There are several most common diseases.

Scab affects almost the entire tree (foliage, fruits, shoots, flowers). The disease appears in the form of brown spots. Favorable conditions for its occurrence are prolonged rains and low temperatures. The close proximity of other Bergamot pears also contributes to the spread of diseases. The main preventive measures are spring spraying of pears with Bordeaux mixture and 7% urea solution. Moreover, it is necessary to treat not only the tree, but also the soil around the trunk. In autumn, all fallen leaves are carefully collected and burned.

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of young shoots. The disease leads to leaf loss. Warm, dry weather contributes to the spread of the disease. And, accordingly, control measures include regular watering and removal of damaged branches. Chemical agents include spraying the crown with a solution of colloidal sulfur.

Green aphids are considered the main pest of Bergamot pears. The insect sucks the juice from the leaves, which helps stop the development of shoots. As a means of control, special preparations are used that are sprayed on trees. Moreover, it is advisable to carry out the procedure three times: on the eve of leaf buds blooming (Kinmiks is used), before flowering (Agravertin is used) and when the ovary appears (the tree is treated with Iskra).

The Bergamot pear can be considered a real decoration of gardens. This variety is common in Europe and the CIS countries. This well-deserved popularity is explained by the unpretentiousness and high yield of the variety.

Autumn bergamot (red bergamot, red autumn bergamot)

Autumn variety of the Moscow Agricultural Academy named after. K. A. Timiryazeva. The exact genetic origin has not been established. Presumably this is a 3rd generation seedling from repeated crossings of the Ussuri pear with Western European varieties. Authors of the variety: S. T. Chizhov, S. P. Potapov, N. V. Agafonov, A. V. Isachkin, A. G. Matushkin, V. I. Susov, I. I. Khanzhiyan. Transferred to the SSI in 1997. Recommended for cultivation in the Central region.

Tree

medium vigor, oval crown, medium density, compact. The awakenability of the kidneys and the shoot-forming ability are high. Fruiting is concentrated mainly on ringlets of different ages and spears.

Escapes

brownish-light brown, buds appressed; internodes are shortened. Lentils are in medium quantity, large, elongated. The leaf is medium in size, oblong-oval in shape, the serration of the leaf edge is serrate-crenate. The petiole is short, above average thickness or thick. Stipules are above average length.

Fruit

above average size (weight 151 g), bergamot-shaped, slightly ribbed. The skin is medium thick. The main color of ripe fruits is light, yellowish-green; the outer color is absent, or appears as a slight blush of brownish-red color. Subcutaneous points are large and of medium number. The peduncle is very short or short, thick. The funnel is narrow and shallow. The saucer is narrow, shallow, sometimes ribbed. The calyx is half open. The pulp is medium density, juicy, sweet-sour, good taste. The attractiveness of the fruit is rated at 4.1 points, taste at 3.9 points. Chemical composition of fruits: 13.5% dry matter, 8.1% total sugars, 0.84% ​​total acids. Harvesting maturity occurs in the 1st decade of September, when the green main color of the fruit lightens. The consumption period lasts until the 3rd decade of September; the fruits are stored in the refrigerator for up to 1.5-2 months. Grafted plants begin to bear fruit at 4-5 years. The average yield in the TSHA fruit experimental garden is 19 kg per tree, with a productivity of 4.12 kg per square meter. m crown projection. Highly winter-hardy, minor damage was noted after the harsh winter of 1986/87. The variety is highly resistant to scab and brown spot, resistant to fruit rot.

Advantages of the variety:

high winter hardiness, extended flowering period, compact crown, good productivity, high resistance to scab, large-fruited.

Disadvantages of the variety:

relatively short period of fruit consumption; in dry years, it accumulates excessive astringency and acidity in the fruits, which reduces the average taste rating.

Regions in which this Pear variety, Moscow Bergamot, reveals all its fruiting abilities to the maximum

How the Bergamot pear is planted and grown

The optimal time for planting trees is spring and autumn, that is, the dormant period for the tree. It is recommended to plant only after the return of spring frosts have passed. If pears are planted in the fall, then this must be done at least a month before the onset of cold weather. If this is not possible, then young trees need to be provided with reliable shelter.

When choosing a site for planting Bergamot pears, you should avoid windy and poorly lit places. The soil should be nutritious with a neutral acidity level. For faster rooting of Bergamot pear seedlings, it is recommended to water the planting hole well.

When preparing a hole for planting a pear, you must remember that the root system of a Bergamot pear seedling should be buried at least 60 cm, but at the same time, the root collar should be located at the same level with the soil surface. Beginning gardeners often make the mistake of burying a seedling after grafting, confusing it with the root collar. Let us remind you that the root collar is the place where the trunk of a Bergamot pear seedling meets the root, and the graft is located significantly above the root collar.

The Bergamot pear tree is placed in the hole, the roots are carefully straightened, covered with soil and compacted a little. Then the remaining soil mixture is added and watering is carried out. Under the Bergamot pear seedling you need to add at least two or three buckets of water. A large volume of water will fill all the voids formed in the root system during planting. After the soil has completely absorbed moisture, it should be mulched. In addition, given the changeable spring and autumn weather, when strong, gusty winds are not uncommon, it would not be a bad idea to tie the seedling to a support.

Experts note that young Bergamot pear seedlings, which are one or two years old, take root easier and faster. And to increase productivity, it is better to plant several different varieties at once. At the same time, when deciding on the choice of varieties, it should be taken into account that the flowering of pears should begin approximately in the same period.

If planting material is transported over a long distance, or you do not plan to plant pears immediately after purchasing seedlings, in order to preserve the root system and prevent it from drying out, you can use a clay mash. The roots of the seedling are dipped into the composition for a while and then allowed to dry. The plants can be left in this form for at least a week.

When planting several pears at once, it is important to remember that, over time, the young trees will become quite tall trees, so the distance between Bergamot pear seedlings should be at least 6-7 meters. In addition, too frequent planting will interfere with normal lighting of the crown, which will negatively affect the yield, as well as the taste of the fruit.

Tree care

During the first time after planting, it is important to provide young trees with regular watering. At least twice a week, up to 10 liters of water should be poured under each Bergamot pear seedling. Then, if possible, loosen the soil and remove weeds.

In addition to watering, caring for pear trees involves fertilizing, carrying out preventive measures aimed at preventing the appearance of diseases and pests, as well as providing protection from the cold.

To obtain a good harvest, both mineral and organic fertilizers should be applied. Nutrient solutions of mineral substances can be used for foliar feeding by spraying the tree crowns. Organic fertilizers are applied in various ways. So, for example, you can prepare an infusion and fertilize along with watering the trees, or add organic matter directly to the soil around the tree trunk, adding compost or humus while digging the soil.

Organic fertilizers are recommended to be applied in the autumn, and in the spring the tree is more in need of nitrogen-containing substances that promote the active growth of green mass.

Prevention of the occurrence of diseases and pests is, first of all, keeping the tree trunk clean. After all, as you know, many pathogens, as well as insect pests, often settle in fallen leaves and weeds.

Trees of the Bergamot pear variety, as noted above, are distinguished by good frost resistance. Therefore, their protection from frost is more important during the flowering period of the tree than in winter. Exceptions, perhaps, are young trees that have just been planted, as well as cases of growing pears in regions with very cold winters.

In order for the tree to overwinter without loss, the tree trunk circle is mulched with a layer at least 8-10 cm thick. Additionally, the tree trunk can be covered with spruce branches, and, as precipitation falls, snow can also be shoveled towards the tree trunk. Some gardeners use thermal insulation materials for these purposes, wrapping them around a tree trunk. Young trees can be completely covered using special material.

Pruning rules

An integral part of caring for Bergamot pear 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 of Bergamot pear 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.

There is no need to be overzealous with pruning; it is better to do it gradually and in a gentle manner.

Planting, growing care

Let's look at the main features of planting and growing Bergamot pears.

Landing

In order for the crop to take root successfully, the soil is moistened before planting - to the depth of the roots of the seedling.

After the spring planting of seedlings is completed, regular watering is carried out, the soil is mulched with a layer of up to 10 cm, mandatory pruning is carried out to remove fattening, damaged, dry shoots, crown formation and thinning are carried out. In dry weather, watering is increased to two buckets, the procedure is repeated two or three times a week. Read about the pear crown formation scheme here.

Deadlines

Trees are planted strictly during the dormant period of the plant - this is autumn or spring. In both cases, the main thing is to reliably protect the garden from frost - in the fall they can begin ahead of time, and in the spring return frosts often occur.

Technology and agricultural technology

Bergamot pears, like trees of other varieties, are planted in well-lit areas protected from drafts. It is advisable to use soil with neutral acidic characteristics. Make planting holes in a previously prepared area. The roots of the seedling should be at a depth of 60 cm or slightly more.

Distances between trees

Since Bergamots are tall varieties, it is necessary to maintain 6 m between seedlings and at least 8 m between rows. Thickening of plantings negatively affects tree growth and productivity indicators.

Care

To obtain maximum yields from Bergamot pears, you need to follow agricultural practices. Main events:

• digging tree trunk circles;
• frost protection;
• feeding;
• regular soil loosening;
• removal of shoots and weeds;
• watering (moderate);
• prevention of pests and diseases.

Pears form their crown mainly naturally, but additional pruning may be required. If the shoots freeze, tops are formed, some of which are necessarily broken off or cut off. The remaining tops can bear fruit, but for this they need to be given a horizontal orientation. It is enough to do anti-aging pruning after a year. It effectively prevents crown growth, but young trees do not need it. Old shoots and branches that grow towards the tree trunk and do not bear fruit are removed.

Feeding

You can do foliar feeding by spraying with nutrient solutions. Organic fertilizing is applied in the fall - annually or every other season. Nitrogenous substances are used in small equal doses in the spring. Pears experience the maximum need for nitrogen during their active growth. To obtain maximum yields, pears are protected from frost during flowering.

Fruit storage

Pears last the longest without damage in the cellar or refrigerator. Before sending for storage, it is recommended to keep the fruits in a well-ventilated, dry area.

Rejuvenation

In order for Bergamot pears to actively bear fruit for as long as possible, adult crops are rejuvenated from time to time.

First, cut the central trunk at a distance of 3.5 m from the place where the distance between the skeletal branches is sufficiently large. Then remove the upper semi-skeletal, skeletal branches, coat the sections with drying oil or garden varnish. Pruning is done from the western or southern side. A year later, remove three more skeletal branches and the same number of semi-skeletal ones. This should be done at a distance of about 100 cm from the trunk, preferably before strongly growing young shoots. A minority of the branches formed in the summer are pinched. In August, overgrown shoots are bent along the side branches, and the strongest ones are left as a continuation.

Pruning

Unlike most other fruit trees, pears form their crown naturally. Heavy branch pruning is usually not required for this reason.

The remaining tops will bear fruit, but only if you give them a horizontal direction.

Bergamot pear: reviews from gardeners

• Margarita Stanislavovna, Moscow region: “I would like to note that Bergamot pears have good taste, for which, in fact, we grow these fruit trees in our summer cottage. And good frost resistance and ease of care allow my whole family to feast on Bergamot pears while stocking up on vitamins.”
• Kristina Viktorovna, Leningrad region: “I grow the Bergamot Moscow pear variety. The fruit always grows very large. From one such pear you can make a fruit salad for children. If we talk about how to care for Bergamot pear trees, then if you do not neglect standard care measures, you can safely count on a rich harvest.”

Bergamot pear: video about the variety