PiqaBoo is a new pear that combines attributes of European and Asian pears
(Prevar Limited)
Prevar Limited has assigned a license to produce and sell the new Piqa Boo pear in Australasia to Freshmax Pty. Ltd., a large fruit marketing and distribution company based in Australia.
Piqa Boo is the brand name for the cultivar PremP009, which was bred by Plant and Food Research in New Zealand. It was bred conventionally, combining traits from both European and Asian pears. Piqa Boo is the first in what is expected to be a series of Piqa brand interspecific pears. Prevar is licensing the rights to grow, market, and sell these new fruits around the world.
Piqa Boo has a short pyriform shape and solid bright red skin with small brown lenticels. It has a crisp texture and can be eaten without ripening. It stores well and develops a Bartlett pear flavor in cold storage.
Prevar was established to oversee the global commercialization of apple and pear cultivars bred by Plant and Food Research. Brett Ennis, chief executive of Prevar, said Piqa Boo captures the best elements of western and eastern pears.
Andrew Maughan, license manager for Freshmax, said a group of pear growers is ready to plant the variety in Australia. Other growers interested in planting it should contact him at amaughan@holmanfresh.com.au.
For more information, check the website at www.piqafruit.co.nz.
Lovely pear, very crisp and sweet. Will definately buy again.