New 'Gem' pear variety jointly released in U.S.
A new fresh market and high-yielding pear variety has been jointly released by the U.S. Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Oregon State University, Michigan State University and Clemson University. 
The 'Gem' variety is said to combine high yields with excellent appearance, fruit quality and long storage potential, according to an ARS release.
It added the new cultivar was resistant to fire blight and isn't prone to brown discoloration - known as 'superficial scale - that affects some pear varieties.
The original seedling tree of Gem was from a cross of 'Sheldon' and US62563-004 made in 1970, and was selected by ARS research horticulturist Richard L. Bell in 1981.
"It was propagated for a second test trial here for 10 years, and then it was sent out for co-operator trials at several locations throughout the United States – primarily in western Washington State, Hood River in Oregon, a couple of sites of Michigan and South Carolina, then it was evaluated there for about 10 years," Bell told www.freshfruitportal.com.
"Then we decided to release it based on the reports from the co-operators, we made a decision to make a cooperative release of the selection as a new variety."
Gem requires at least three weeks of cold storage before normal fruit softening, but will last for at least 28 weeks in cold storage without core breakdown or superficial scald.
The fruit's crisp, juicy texture means it can also be eaten immediately after harvest without softening, and its flavor has been described as sweet and mildly aromatic.
When compared to Bartlett, a popular pear variety, sensory panelists rated Gem similar in appearance, flavor and purchase intent, according to the release.
"It's now it’s undergoing additional virus testing by the National Clean Plant Network (NCPN), and when it’s certified as virus-free then the budwood will be made available to nurseries and growers," Bill said.
"Small amounts of budwood will perhaps be available in September of 2015."
He added the early bearing variety has already received quite a lot of interest from the U.S. pear industry, especially the Pacific Northwest.
Photo:Â Steven Castagnoli, Oregon State University
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