Bosc pears, recognized by their distinctive long neck and russeted skin, are a popular fruit enjoyed for their sweet, juicy, and subtly spicy flavor. These pears are versatile, suitable for fresh eating, baking, or drying. Like many fruit trees, successful fruit production in Bosc pears relies heavily on pollination. Without effective pollination, the trees may produce few or no fruits.
Bosc Pear Pollination Requirements
Bosc pear trees are self-unfruitful, meaning they cannot reliably produce fruit from their own pollen. To achieve a good yield, Bosc pears require cross-pollination from a different, compatible pear variety. Their own pollen is biologically incompatible; the pollen grain is unable to grow through the floral tube and reach the ovule, causing the blossom to drop instead of developing into fruit.
Choosing Pollinator Varieties for Bosc
Selecting the correct pollinator varieties for Bosc pears is essential for fruit production. Compatible varieties must have overlapping bloom times to ensure pollen transfer can occur. Examples of effective pollinator varieties for Bosc include ‘Bartlett’ (also known as ‘Williams Christ’ pear), ‘Comice’, ‘Anjou’, and ‘Seckel’.
‘Clapp’s Favourite’ and ‘Conference’ are also listed as suitable pollinators. While ‘Anjou’ blooms earlier, its bloom period often overlaps sufficiently with Bosc to serve as a pollinator. ‘Comice’ is frequently used to pollinate Bosc due to its compatible bloom time.
Understanding Pear Pollination
Pear flowers, like those of many fruit trees, possess both male and female reproductive parts. Pollination is the process where pollen is transferred from the male anther to the female stigma, a sticky surface that receives pollen. This transfer is primarily facilitated by insects, with honeybees, mason bees, and certain wasps and flies being common pollinators. Once a compatible pollen grain lands on the stigma, it germinates and grows a pollen tube down to the ovule, leading to fertilization and subsequent fruit development.
Factors Influencing Pollination Success
Several factors influence the success of Bosc pear pollination. Weather conditions during the bloom period play a role; honeybees are less active when temperatures fall below 50°F (10°C) or in excessive wind or dampness. Pear flowers also produce nectar with a low sugar concentration, making them less attractive to bees. Tree health and vigor also affect fruit set, as does proper spacing of pollinator trees.
Enhancing Pollination for Bosc Pears
To enhance pollination for Bosc pears, consider these strategies:
Plant pollinator trees ideally within 100 feet of Bosc trees.
Attract beneficial insects like honeybees and mason bees to the orchard.
Provide water sources for bees near the trees.
Avoid insecticides during the bloom period, as these chemicals can harm or kill the very insects needed for fruit set.
Mow competing blooms, such as dandelions, during the pear bloom to focus pollinator attention on the pear flowers.