Effects of Rootstock and Training System on Fruit Quality and Peel Nutrient Content in in ‘Bosc’ Pears

Abstract In a 3-year trial involving 28 ‘Bosc’ rootstock-training systems combinations, rootstock-training system induced differences were found in only three of the post-storage problem areas (decay, scab, and limb rub) studied for ‘Bosc’ pears. Significant differences occurred among years; however, no one year was considered “good” or “bad” for post-storage problems. Yearly patterns in post-storage problems varied with the problem. The significant differences that occurred between rootstock-training system combinations may have resulted from root-stock or training system combination effects on vigor or modification of the fruit nutrient content which was then related to the post-storage problem area. Significant combination X year interactions occurred for external cork spot and flesh browning. No one rootstock-training system combination had the greatest or least amount of any of the storage problems.