Dr. David Sugar, plant pathologist at Oregon State University, says the nitrogen and calcium levels in the orchard can affect the potential for decay in pears after harvest. Orchard management can play an important role in ­minimizing postharvest decay in pears, says Dr. David Sugar, pathologist with Oregon State University in Medford. For example, overabundant nitrogen promotes excess vigor in the trees, which tends to result in more nitrogen being shifted to fruit, and fruit with high nitrogen levels are prone to decay. High nitrogen in the trees, as well as a low crop density, increases competition between the shoots […]