MATURITY AND STORAGE PERFORMANCE OF BARTLETT AND SENSATION RED BARTLETT PEARS

A study was conducted to determine whether or not the practice of harv esting 'Sensation Red Bartlett' (SRB) pear (Pyrus communis L.) fruit l ater than 'Bartlett' fruit results in a higher risk of core breakdown development in SRB fruit. Over a range of harvest dates in 2 years of study, incidence of core breakdown in SRB fruit was lower than in 'Bar tlett' fruit from the same orchard. The disorder increased in both cul tivars with longer storage periods, but was usually less in SRB than i n 'Bartlett'. Core breakdown in both cultivars was more severe in the second year of the study, when lower summer temperatures prevailed. SR B maintained higher fruit firmness on the tree than did 'Bartlett'. Ac cordingly, harvesting SRB later than 'Bartlett' appears to be an accep table practice.