A wild pear native to calcareous soils that has a possible application as a pear rootstock

Abstract

Pyrus amygdaliformis Vill. is native to many if not all soils in Greece, including those which are calcareous. Where it grows in the wild, the CaCO₃ content in soils ranges from less than 1 to more than 35%. The pH of the soil ranged from 7.30 to 8.25 for six samples examined. The species does have a successful history of use as a rootstock for pears. It imparts an astringent taste to the fruit. Since pears and related fruit species are variously subject to iron deficiency around the world, this species is a source of genetic material that may be useful in plant breeding or even as a tree rootstock. In Greece apples are also grown on this rootstock although not as commonly as are for pears.