A new pear cultivar—Gem—has been jointly released by the U.S. Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Oregon State University, Michigan State University and Clemson University.
According to an ARS release, the ‘Gem’ pear is ideal for the fresh market because it combines high yields with excellent appearance, fruit quality and long storage potential. This cultivar is resistant to fire blight and is not prone to brown discoloration that affects other 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.
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.
Gem is 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.
Cultivar means “cultivated variety.” Therefore, a cultivar is selected and cultivated by humans. Whereas, a “variety” occurs in nature—it’s a natural phenomenon. Some cultivars originate as mutations on plants. Other cultivars are hybrids of two plants. Cultivars are propagated vegetatively from stem cuttings, grafting, and even tissue culture, but not from seed.