Horticulture Research Station

Cultivar Trial of Recently Released Selections of Fire Blight Resistant Pears and Cold Hardy Peaches

Authors: Dennis Nicklas Portz (Iowa State University) , Lynn R. Schroeder (Iowa State University) , Patrick O'Malley (Iowa State University)

Abstract

Pears and peaches have been limited by the climate for commercial production in Iowa, but recent breeding programs have alleviated some of those constraints. Cold-tender peach trees show flower damage when winter temperatures are -20°F or colder. Similarly, Iowa’s wet and humid spring and summer climate encourages fire blight disease in pear crops. New cultivars have been selected from several institutions that can be grown in Iowa with less fear of orchard devastation from cold injury and disease influence. The objective of this study was to trial fire blight resistant European pear and cold hardy Asian pear and peach cultivars available for Iowa production.

Keywords: RFR A1142

How to Cite: Portz, D. N. , Schroeder, L. R. & O'Malley, P. (2012) “Cultivar Trial of Recently Released Selections of Fire Blight Resistant Pears and Cold Hardy Peaches”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports. 2011(1).