Pollen compatibility studies of some commercially important pear (Pyrus communis l.) cultivars under temperate conditions of Kashmir

Six fruit bearing cultivars of pear (Pyrus communis L.) viz; William Bartlett, Vicar of Winkfield, Gent Drouard, Flemish Beauty, Fertility and Chinese Sandy pear were taken for experimentation. Time and duration of flowering, flower anthesis, anther dehiscence, stigma receptivity and compatibility was examined during year 2006–2007. William Bartlett showed highest compatibility with Pollinizers, viz. Fertility (74.43%), Flemish Beauty (48.13%), Gent Drouard (32.17%) and Chinese Sandy pear (30.77%), where as, partial compatibility was observed with Vicar of Winkfield (20.02%) and very low self-compatibility (5.46%). Vicar of Winkfield as recipient parent showed high degree of compatibility with Flemish Beauty (72.99%) and Fertility (66.10%) having partially compatible with pollinizer Gent Drouard (19.86%), Chinese Sandy pear (17.96%) and when selfed (18.42%). As a recipient parent, Gent Drouard showed highest degree of compatibility with Flemish Beauty (68.11%) and Fertility (55.71%) where as, it was partially compatible with Chinese Sandy pear (21.73%). However, it was completely self incompatible. Flemish Beauty as female parent was most compatible with Fertility (66.23%) and Chinese Sandy pear (32.53%) and partially self compatible. Fertility was completely self incompatible and cross incompatible with Chinese Sandy pear. Chinese Sandy pear exhibited limited self compatibility. Thus, it may be concluded that Flemish Beauty and Fertility were good pollinizers for the cultivars William Bartlett, Vicar of Winkfield, Gent Drouard and Flemish Beauty.