Protecting and Preserving our Pears
Plant Gene Resources Canada was created in 1970 to protect, preserve and enhance the genetic diversify of crop plants and their wild relatives by acquiring, evaluating, researching and documenting plant genetic resources. This provides genetic variability for crop variety development and plant genetic studies nationally and internationally. In 1989, the Smithfield Experimental Farm in Trenton, Ontario, was designated as the primary site for the preservation of clonally propagated fruit crops in Canada. In 1996, the Genebank program was transferred to the Greenhouse and Processing Crops Research Centre in Harrow.
The Canadian Clonal Genebank at Harrow has a large pear collection comprised of 125 unique plant specimens, including from 83 cultivars and selections, 15 rootstocks, 3 quince (fruit from the pear and apple family) and 17 Jesuit pears. The cultivars include many of Canadian origin, plus several antique or heritage varieties. Limited quantities of budwood or grafting wood are available seasonally upon request.
A recent project at the Genebank is to locate and preserve the Jesuit pear trees, of which less than 40 remain in Essex County, Ontario. These trees were originally planted by French Canadian settlers and the fruit was used in local family cider mills. Historical references describe the trees as 80 feet tall with circumferences as wide as 10 feet. The best specimen, likely a second generation tree, is located on a private farm near Harrow and estimated to be 300 years old. These very sturdy heritage trees have good survival rates and carry important genetic material sought by breeders.
Pear Trees of the Canadian Clonal Genebank (PDF Version, 4MB) - Help on PDF