02/17/05 Pear research review

02/17/05 Pear research review

The Washington State Tree Fruit Research Commission, Hood River Grower Shippers Association, and Winter Pear Control Committee, sponsor the annual Pear research review today in Hood River. Jim McPherson of the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission says various presentations will be made on research projects funded in part or wholly by the organizations, or that are under consideration for funding. MCPHERSON: We'll be considering a number of reports across a whole range of issues. It starts with rootstocks, with new cultivars, new varieties of pears that have different organoleptic or taste properties. We're looking at ways to better manage our pests through integrated pest management. We're looking at the large, so-called, area-wide mating disruption programs. And less not forgot post-harvest projects as well. In fact, one example of how this research benefits pear consumers in one form or another is on going studies on control atmospheres or bioregulators to control pear ripening, which in turn, helps consumers determine when a pear is ripe for eating. MCPHERSON: We've got packaging that tells you exactly where that pear is at in its ripening process. This kind of smart packaging has really increased the personal consumption of pears just in the past couple of years. And we'll be hearing research reports on this and other packing or information situations where the consumer knows more about the quality of that specific piece of fruit they are getting.
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