The Drapeau style orchard system showed the highest financial return during Belgian trials of Conference pears. (Courtesy Jef Vercammen/Proeftuin pit- en steenfruit) Researchers from around the world presented their latest findings regarding cold-hardy rootstocks and new varieties during the Interpera conference in Wenatchee, Washington, in June. Unlike apples, pears lack a true dwarfing rootstock that allows growers to more easily produce compact, high-density orchards better suited for mechanization, uniformity and higher yields. Warmer areas in Europe can use quince rootstocks, but the quince rootstocks don’t tolerate the cold winters of production areas in Canada and the United States — the […]