An early start to the Conference pear harvest
In several parts of Belgium, the Conference pear harvest started around ten days to two weeks earlier than usual this year.
Early flowering and high summer temperatures accelerated fruit development and ripening.
The warm and dry conditions also increased pressure on the trees.
On some orchards, limited water availability affected fruit size, while the many hours of sunshine contributed to sugar development and flavour.
Belgium is not the only important Conference-growing country.
The variety accounts for approximately 76% of the Dutch pear crop, with Dutch Conference production estimated at 299 million kg this year.
Across North-Western Europe, the picture varies between countries and orchards.
Water availability, soil type, heat, dry periods and local hail damage all influence the final yield and fruit quality. Fruit development combined with high temperatures and drought makes this a particularly demanding period for pear trees.
Recovery starts around harvest
During the harvest period, a large share of the tree’s energy goes towards fruit development.
The tree also needs to retain sufficient reserves to recover after harvest and prepare for winter.
Targeted support is particularly important at this stage. Applying a biostimulant such as Aphasol can support the tree’s recovery and help lay the foundation for the following growing season.
Aphasol promotes the production of internal antioxidants, helping the plant respond more quickly and efficiently to stressful conditions such as heat, drought and the intensive harvest period.
For pear trees, we recommend two targeted applications:
Before harvest: 5 L/ha, one to two weeks before picking, to support vigour and the build-up of reserves.
After harvest: 5 L/ha, to support recovery and help the tree prepare for winter.
Growers also notice the effect in practice:
Since we started using Aphasol, we have noticed that the trees recover faster after harvest, experience less stress and enter winter in better condition.
An early harvest does not mean that the tree’s work is done.
Good recovery after an intensive growing season helps lay the foundation for a strong start the following spring.
Would you like to learn more about using Aphasol in fruit growing? Contact our team for practical crop advice.