In this article
Pear growth in the Netherlands and Belgium is exceptionally strong this year. Thanks to daily, automatic measurements with WolkyTolky dendrometers, we have a sharp picture of how things are developing in five fruit regions. In this update we share the latest figures up to 7 August, analyse the growth rate and explain why the picking date is about more than just fruit size.
Current figures: pears keep growing strongly
Conference pears are larger than the long-term average in all regions. The most recent diameters as of 7 August are:
- North Holland: 66.7 mm
- Betuwe: 68.0 mm
- Zeeland: 64.6 mm
- Haspengouw (BE): 66.3 mm
For comparison: the long-term average for Conference pears at picking is between 60 and 70 mm. In some years 70 mm is barely reached; now we are well above that already in early August.
Growth per week: figures from practice
Over the past month, growth has stayed remarkably constant. Looking at the data from 8 July to 7 August, we see the following:
- North Holland: from 49.8 mm to 66.7 mm (+16.9 mm in 4 weeks, on average 4.2 mm a week)
- Betuwe: from 49.8 mm to 68.0 mm (+18.2 mm in 4 weeks, on average 4.6 mm a week)
- Zeeland: from 47.3 mm to 64.6 mm (+17.3 mm in 4 weeks, on average 4.3 mm a week)
- Haspengouw: from 50.1 mm to 66.3 mm (+16.2 mm in 4 weeks, on average 4.0 mm a week)
This growth rate is above average for this stage of the season. In a normal year, growth in August is often around 2.5 to 3.5 mm a week.
Regional differences and trends
The Betuwe leads this year with the largest pears, followed by North Holland and Haspengouw. Zeeland lags slightly behind, but growth is strong there too. The differences between the regions are smaller than in other years, which points to a favourable and even growing season.
Picking date: more than just fruit size
Although fruit size matters for grading and market value, the picking time of Conference pears is determined by several factors:
- Flesh firmness: a penetrometer is used to measure how firm the flesh is. Pears that are too hard are not ripe enough yet; pears that are too soft keep less well.
- Sugar content (Brix): the sugar content gives an indication of ripeness. It is measured with a refractometer.
- Pip colour: light brown pips indicate picking ripeness, dark brown pips eating ripeness.
- Skin colour: the ground colour changes from green to greenish yellow at picking ripeness.
- Stalk detachment: a pear is ready to pick when the stalk comes away easily from the branch.
- Degree days (temperature sum): the number of degree days after flowering gives an indication of fruit development and is used for the first picking forecasts.
The national indication for picking Conference pears has been set at 22 August this year. However, this is a guide date; the actual picking time can fall a few days earlier or later, depending on the final ripening. The current advice from, for example, the VCBT and Dutch fruit grower organisations is therefore leading.
WolkyTolky: insight into growth every day
With the WolkyTolky dendrometers, pears are measured automatically every day. This gives growers not only insight into current growth, but also makes it possible to react quickly to changes in the weather or irrigation. The data is available online straight away and makes it easy to compare your own situation with other regions. Want to know more about this technology? Visit www.wolkytolky.com.
Outlook: what can we expect at picking?
With the current growth rate, it is likely that the pears will reach a diameter of 70 to 75 mm or even more at picking. That is above-average large and offers the prospect of a good size grading for growers. Growth is expected to level off somewhat over the coming weeks, but the pears remain on course for a top year.
Conclusion
Conference pears are growing exceptionally well this year. With two weeks to go until picking, the fruits in all regions are already larger than average. The expectation is that the pears could reach a record size at harvest. Keep following our weekly updates for the latest figures and trends!
Want to know more about pear growth in your region, or are you curious about the possibilities of automatic fruit measurement? Feel free to get in touch or visit www.wolkytolky.com for more information!
