Clonal Selection of a Winter-Type European Pear Cultivar 'Ankara' (Pyrus communis L.).

Clones of the 'Ankara' pear (Pyrus communis L.) cultivar, which is a winter-type of European pear, were investigated in terms of morphological and chemical characteristics, and sensory analyses, in the Ankara (Turkey) region in 2001, 2002, and 2003. Fruit weight, length, and diameter; core diameter; skin and flesh color; flesh firmness; soluble solids content; titrable acidity; pH; grittiness; melting degree in the mouth (buttery flesh); flavor; texture; and appearance were determined in 40, 17, and 26 clones in 2001, 2002, and 2003, respectively. Two clones #5 and #6, were selected as superior clones of 'Ankara' pear in 16 clones, which were not alternate bearing during 3 years. The average fruit weight, fruit length, and diameter of clone #5 were 225.5 ± 32.8 g, 69.6 ± 1.3 mm, and 73.7 ± 3.4 mm, respectively. The same measurements of clone #6 were 202.1 ± 2.0 g, 65.9 ± 0.1 mm, and 72.0 ± 0.2 mm, respectively. Grittiness was low, and texture and appearance were fine in these clones over the course of 3 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]