improvement of Pyrusl. pear classification and assessment of representatives of identified varieties in the conditions of the North Caucasus
A study in the field of classification of pears is one of the important scientific problems of modern Pomology. Creation of a natural classification of varieties, taking into account the commonality of many characteristics and qualities, is a relevant point. To improve existing developments in this area, the long-term results of varietal studies of pears in the collection stands of the Maykop Experimental Station VIR (MOS VIR) branch have been analyzed and the varieties of the collection have been grouped according to morphological characteristics and biological properties. Creation of an open system of pear varieties, which includes, along with the previously defined subspecies of common pear (South European, West European, East European, Transcaucasian, Central Asian), the East Asian subspecies that we have identified, is the result of the research. It combines the varieties of East Asia, including the Far East of Russia, and includes five varieties: Bailey, East Golden, Girinskaya, Olga, Shinsui. Mramornaya variety has been added, including new hybrid varieties of Eastern Europe, to the Eastern European subspecies. In each new variety type, the varieties most promising for selection and production have been identified. The creation of the proposed classification contributes to wider and fuller use of the extensive varietal gene pool of pears, both for practical purposes and for theoretical research.