Work

Evaluation of fruit quality and chemical characterization of local and standard pear (Pyrus communis L.) cultivars grown in Slovenia

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study evaluated the specific morphological and biochemical parameters of fruits from ten pear cultivars, including several traditional old cultivars, such as 'President Drouard', 'Hartilian', 'Clapp’s Favorite', 'Poire de Cure', 'False Pituralka', 'Risovka', 'Santa Maria', 'Starkrimson', 'Triomphe de Vienne' and 'Nordhäuser Winterflorelle'. Significant differences in fruit quality were observed among the evaluated pear cultivars. The cultivars 'Risovka' (32.62 g) and 'President Drouard' (47.31 g) exhibited the lowest fruit weight, whereas 'Triomphe de Vienne' produced very large fruits with an average weight of 254.4 g. The highest total sugar content was recorded in 'False Pituralka' (138.5 g/kg FW), followed by 'Hartilian', 'Poire de Cure' and 'Nordhäuser Winterflorelle'. In contrast, the lowest total acid content was observed in 'Triomphe de Vienne' and 'Nordhäuser Winterflorelle', resulting in a high sugar-to-acid ratio (S/A) and, consequently, a sweet perceived flavor. The more acidic cultivars, characterized by lower S/A ratios, included 'Starkrimson', 'Santa Maria', 'President Drouard', 'Poire de Cure' and 'Clapp’s Favorite'. The highest phenolic compound contents in the fruit flesh were detected in 'Hartilian', 'Risovka', 'President Drouard' and 'Poire de Cure' (58.77–82.12 mg/kg FW), whereas in the peel, the cultivars 'False Pituralka', 'President Drouard' and 'Poire de Cure' contained the highest phenolic levels (1291–2111 mg/kg FW). The characterization of old pear cultivars from a specific growing region is vital for assessing their quality, as they represent an excellent source of genetic diversity and are invaluable for breeding new cultivars. • Morphological and biochemical parameters of local and standard pear cultivars were investigated • False-Pituralka and Poire de Cure had high fructose content. • Triomphe de Vienne and Nordhäuser Winterflorelle had the lowest acid content and a high S/OA ratio • A high content of malic acid was analysed in President Drouard, Hartilian, Risovka and Santa Maria • Hartilian, Risovka, President Drouard, and Poire de Cure had the highest total phenolics in the flesh.

Source: Journal of Food Composition and Analysis

DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2026.108921

Authors: Maja Mikulic-Petkovsek, Saša Krošelj, Petra Povše, Gregor Osterc

Institutions: University of Ljubljana, Agricultural institute of Slovenia

Language: English

Topic: Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life Management

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,450