Pear (pyrus communis) SĒLIJA

Pear (Pyrus communis) 'Sēlija'

A Latvian variety with semi-dwarf growth, high yield, and resistance.

'Sēlija' is a Latvian late autumn to early winter pear variety, valued for its semi-dwarf, naturally compact growth, high and annual yield, and high resistance to frost and diseases. A unique feature is that the tree self-regulates its fruit set, requiring almost no thinning. The fruits are large, with a very good sweet flavour.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High and annual yield.
• High frost and disease resistance.
• The tree self-regulates its fruit set (thinning is almost unnecessary).
• Semi-dwarf, compact growth.
• Very good sweet flavour.
• Good transportability.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Latvia (Pūrē)
• Institution: Pūre Horticultural Research Centre
• Selection number: AMD-64-76-1
• Registration: Registered and protected in Latvia since 2009.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Semi-dwarf, with naturally compact growth.
• Crown: Easy to shape, does not become dense. Branches bend downwards under the weight of the crop.

Fruit

• Size: Large, heavy, of uniform size.
• Shape and colour: Yellow, with a brownish-red blush and dots on the sunny side.
• Flesh: Creamy-yellow, very juicy.
• Flavour: Sweet with a pleasant acidity, very good taste.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: High.
• Disease resistance: Resistant to scab and fruit rot.

Cultivation Recommendations

• The tree self-regulates its fruit set, so thinning is almost unnecessary.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Late September.
• Storability: Approximately until January.
• Yield: High and annual.
• Entry into bearing: Early.
• Transportability: Good.
• Note: Ripe fruits drop easily in windy weather but are not damaged and can be stored.