Breeding report of a new red pear cultivar ‘Hongfengli’

Abstract: ‘Hongfengli’is an early-season pear with excellent appearance. The seeding was derived from a cross between‘Red Clapp’בNanguoli’in 1994 at experimental field. It was initially selected in 1990 for its bright colors and very early ripening time. Through artificial hybridization pollination, 240 hybrid seeds were got. After regional adaptability testing at seven sites (including Tieling, Shenyang, Liaoyang, Jinzhou, Huludao, Anshan and Yingkou) in 2007, it was finally selected in 2019. This species is a tall tree, attaining a height of 3 m; the tree is vigorous with ramose crown and upright tree gesture. Young branches are reddish brown, medium density of lenticels. Leaves is elliptic, 9.5 cm long, 5.1 cm wide. Flower bud is light pink, 3.55 cm across. Fruit is mainly nearly round, has yellowish green peel with red surface. Its flesh is white, crisp, rich juice, fine texture and aroma. The average fruit weight 210 g, maximum fruit weight 360 g, fruit shape index 0.95; 8 seeds per fruit. The content of soluble solid is about 13.3%, the content of total sugar is 10.84%, the content of total acid is 0.38%, the sugar-acid ratio is 28.5, the content of vitamin C is 0.022 9 mg·g^-1. Quality is excellent. The fruit develop- ment period is 110 d and it matures at the mid August in Xiongyue area; Each inflorescence has 7.5 flowers, the germination rate is 65.3%, and the branching ability is 3.5. It has strong resistance to stress and high resistance to diseases of branches and trunk. The fruit has very long storage-life, cold storage life is 6 months and shelf life is over 14 days, after storage the fruit aroma is quite strong. Suitable cultivation area is Anshan, Jinzhou and Huludao of Liaoning province and other similar climimate areas. This variety can bear fruits the third years after planted, has high yield potential. Orchard should choose neutral sandy soil which is flat and has ability of moisture and fertilizer retention; spacing in the rows and spacing between rows are (2-3) m×4 m, improved spindle shape for tree shape.