Reinventing Pears

Plant & Food Research, under contract to Prevar, has bred a novel range of pears that combine the best characteristics of both Asian and European varieties. The lead selection is named “Piqaboo” and is bright red with good flavour. It is in the process of being commercialised in New Zealand and Australia. 

Plant & Food Research has been involved with breeding new varieties of apples and pears for several decades at least. Some of its more recent apple successes include commercialisation of the Pacific series (Gala-Splendour crosses) and Jazz™ (Braeburn-Gala cross). Not as much progress has been made with pears, but now that is about to change. Plant & Food Research have been working on a selection of crosses and have succeeded in producing a number with good potential. This range will be named “Piqa”, and the lead selection is called “Piqaboo”.

Dr Richard Volz, senior scientist in charge of the programme, says that while breeding started 30 years ago, the first cross leading to the current favoured selections was carried out in 2001.

“We then had to go through a lengthy growing and selection programme to finally come up with one with the qualities we were looking for,” he says. “It is a cross between Asian and European varieties so has the texture of the Nashi type of pear, crisp and juicy, and the flavour of the European pear. It also has a very bright red colour so it is very distinguished.”

“What prompted us to move in that direction was the fact that there are some critical flaws with the conventional varieties as far as consumers are concerned. The European pear is ripe for just a few days and then it’s over-ripe and doesn’t store well. When you get a good one, the flavour is great but the problem is actually getting good ones consistently.”

“Asian pears store better but are generally mild in flavour so we wanted something that was a cross between the two to get the best of both types of pear into one.”

Richard says that its improved storage qualities are critical because several months at least are needed to get fruit to high-value markets in Asia and Europe. Although there is insufficient fruit at present for proper test marketing, comments from overseas visitors as well as local growers are all very complimentary.

Plant & Food Research carries out the breeding programme under contract to Prevar, a partnership between Pipfruit New Zealand, Apple & Pear Australia Ltd, and the Research Institute. Chief Executive of Prevar, Dr Brett Ennis, says that the new range of Piqa fruit represents a great opportunity for change in a fruit category that is “tired and has lacked innovation”.

“We now have a group of about half a dozen elite selections, and we have chosen Piqaboo as the leader to get underway. There are a couple of others that are showing real promise and in due course we will consider their potential too,” he says.

Each of the new range will be given the name “Piqa” with a different suffix. Arrangements for commercialising the first, Piqaboo, will soon start for New Zealand and Australia. Once the new varieties are well established they may be released more widely but the competitive advantage and ownership will remain with New Zealand and Australia.

“This is an outstanding example of New Zealand horticultural innovation. These products are strikingly beautiful, compelling to the eye and have a gorgeous flavour. They tick all the right boxes and are a step change in terms of desirable traits that are not necessarily present in the parent stock,” says Brett.