Pome fruit
Pome fruits are fruits with a characteristic core containing five seed chambers. The seeds are enclosed within these chambers, while the edible flesh surrounds the core. Common pome fruits include apples, pears, quinces, and medlars.
General Ecological Importance of Apple Trees
The flowers of the cultivated apple (Malus domestica) constitute an important source of nectar and pollen for honey bees (Apis mellifera), wild bees, bumblebees, hoverflies, and other pollinating insects. The fruits provide an important food resource for numerous bird and mammal species. Apple trees enhance biodiversity by supporting diverse habitats and contribute substantially to ecosystem services in orchards and traditional meadow orchards through carbon sequestration, soil organic matter (humus) formation, and soil conservation.
| Type | Apple |
| Variety | ‘Golden Delicious’ Chance seedling, presumed to have originated from a cross between 'Golden Reinette' ('Goldrenette') and 'Grimes Golden |
| Harvest period | October |
| Eating period | October to March |
| Fruit | medium to large; roundish to slightly conical; very juicy; medium-firm, light yellow to cream-colored flesh |
| Skin Color | Ground color: initially green; overcolor: golden yellow when fully ripe; occasionally with a faint pinkish to reddish blush on the sun-exposed side |
| Flavor | Aromatically sweet with low to moderate acidity and subtle notes of honey, anise, and fennel |
| Uses | Fresh eating; dessert apple; baking; juice; excellent keeping quality; under controlled atmosphere until March or April |
| Susceptibility | Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis): highly susceptible Powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha): moderately susceptible Apple rust (Gymnosporangium spp.): highly susceptible Wolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum): susceptible Apple canker (Neonectria ditissima): relatively resistant |
| Growth | Weak to moderately vigorous growth; well-branched crown Green deciduous foliage Deep-rooted White to pale pink flowers, April through May |
Site requirements Winter hardiness | Full sun to light partial shade; deep, well-drained, fertile soil Winter hardy; susceptible to late frosts during flowering |
| Type | Apple |
| Variety | ‘Gala’ 'Golden Delicious' × 'Kidd's Orange Red' |
| Harvest period | September to October |
| Eating period | September to January |
| Fruit | Small to medium-sized; round to slightly conical; very juicy; firm, cream-colored to light yellow flesh |
| Skin Color | Ground color: yellow; overcolor: bright red to orange-red, often striped |
| Flavor | Very sweet; low acidity; mild, fruity aroma with subtle notes of pear and vanilla |
| Uses | Fresh eating; dessert apple; baking; juice; long-term refrigerated storage; keeps until January or longer when refrigerated |
| Susceptibility | Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis): moderately to highly susceptible, especially in wet years Powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha): moderately susceptible Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora): highly susceptible Apple canker (Neonectria ditissima): highly susceptible |
| Growth | Weak to moderately vigorous growth; upright to broadly upright crown structure well-branched crown Green deciduous foliage Deep-rooted Light pink to white flowers, April through May |
Site requirements Hardiness | Full sun to light partial shade; deep, well-drained, fertile soil Winter hardy; susceptible to late frosts during flowering |
| Type | Apple |
| Variety | ‘Wellant’ 'Elise' × proprietary breeding clone |
| Harvest period | September |
| Eating period | October–March |
| Fruit | medium to large; round to slightly flattened; juicy; firm, greenish-white to cream-colored flesh |
| Skin Color | Ground color: greenish-yellow; overcolor: intense red to reddish-orange with streaked to mottled flush |
| Flavor | Sweet with low acidity, a pronounced apple aroma, and subtle spicy notes |
| Uses | Eaten fresh, baking, stores well when refrigerated |
| Susceptibility | Powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha): susceptible Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis): susceptible Apple canker (Neonectria ditissima): susceptible Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora): moderately susceptibility |
| Growth | Upright to broadly upright crown; densely branched Green deciduous foliage Deep-rooted White to pale pink flowers; April through May |
Site requirements Hardiness | Full sun to light partial shade; deep, well-drained, fertile soil Winter hardy; susceptible to late frosts during flowering |
| Type | Apple |
| Variety | ‘Cox's Orange Pippin’ Originated around 1825 as a chance seedling Believed to have originated from a cross between 'Ribston Pippin' (more recent genetic studies suggest 'Muscat Reinette' as the maternal parent) and 'Blenheim Orange' |
| Harvest period | September |
| Eating period | October to January |
| Fruit | medium-sized; round to slightly flattened; juicy; firm, yellowish flesh |
| Skin Color | Ground color: light yellow; overcolor: orange-red |
| Flavor | Delicately spicy with an intense aroma and characteristic nutty and citrus-like notes |
| Uses | Fresh eating; baking; juice; cider |
| Susceptibility | Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis): Highly susceptible Powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha): Moderately to highly susceptible Apple canker (Neonectria ditissima): susceptible Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora): susceptible |
| Growth | Deep-rooted moderately vigorous, profusely branched Green deciduous foliage White to pale pink flowers from April to May |
Site requirements Hardiness | Full sun to light partial shade; deep, well-drained, fertile soil hardy; susceptible to late frosts during flowering |
| Type | Apple |
| Variety | ‘Idared’ 'Jonathan' × 'Wagener' |
| Harvest period | Late September to October |
| Eating period | November to April |
| Fruit | Medium to large; round to slightly flattened; juicy; firm, white to cream-colored flesh |
| Skin Color | Ground color: greenish-yellow to yellow; overcolour: bright red to dark red |
| Flavor | sweet with moderate acidity; mild to slightly spicy aroma; develops a more harmonious aroma during storage |
| Uses | Fresh eating; dessert apple; baking; compote production; juice; excellent storage performance under controlled-atmosphere conditions |
| Susceptibility | Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis): moderately susceptible to susceptible Powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha): moderately susceptible Apple canker (Neonectria ditissima): susceptible Codling moth (Cydia pomonella): no known genetic resistance |
| Growth | moderate to vigorous growth; upright to broadly upright crown; well-branched crown Green deciduous foliage Deep-rooted with a well-branched root system White to light pink flowers, April through May |
Site requirements Hardiness | Full sun to light partial shade; deep, well-drained, fertile soil Winter hardy; susceptible to late frosts during flowering |
| Type | Apple |
| Variety | 'Natyra®' ‘Elise’ x scab-resistant selection Autumn-ripening cultivar developed in Wageningen, the Netherlands; until 2015, it was cultivated exclusively by certified organic growers |
| Harvest period | Late September to early October |
| Eating period | October to April |
| Fruit | Medium to large; roundish to slightly flattened; very juicy; crisp, firm, cream-colored to light yellow flesh |
| Skin Color | Ground color: yellow; overcolor: bright red |
| Flavor | aromatic; sweet with pronounced acidity; complex fruit aroma with spicy and light fruity notes |
| Uses | Fresh eating; dessert apple; excellent storage performance under refrigeration |
| Susceptibility | Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis): low to moderate susceptibility, comparatively robust Powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha): low to moderate susceptibility Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora): moderately susceptible Apple canker (Neonectria ditissima): low to moderate susceptibility Codling moth (Cydia pomonella): no known genetic resistance |
| Growth | moderate to vigorous growth upright to broadly upright crown structure Good natural branching Green deciduous foliage Develops a deep, well-branched root system White to pale pink flowers; April through May |
Site requirements Hardiness | Full sun to light partial shade; deep, well-drained, fertile soil Winter hardy; susceptible to late frosts during flowering |
| Type | Apple |
| Variety | ‘Topaz’ ‘Rubin’ x ‘Vanda’ |
| Harvest period | Late September – October |
| Eating period | November – March |
| Fruit | Medium to large; round to slightly flattened; very juicy with firm, cream-coloured to light yellow flesh |
| Skin Color | Ground color: yellow to yellow-green; overcolor: orange-red to dark red when ripe; flushed and striped |
| Flavor | Distinctly aromatic; refreshingly tart with spicy notes; flavour develops further during storage |
| Uses | Fresh eating; dessert apple; baking; juice production; excellent keeping quality; stores until March or April under refrigeration |
| Susceptibility | Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis): very low susceptibility; genetically resistant (Vf/Rvi6 resistance) Powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha): low to moderate susceptibility Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora): moderate susceptibility Apple canker (Neonectria ditissima): low to moderate susceptibility Codling moth (Cydia pomonella): no specific resistance known |
| Growth | moderate to vigorous growth; upright to broadly upright crown structure; well-branched crown Green deciduous foliage Develops a deep, well-branched root system White to pale pink flowers; April through May |
Site requirements Hardiness | Full sun to light partial shade; deep, well-drained, fertile soil Winter hardy; flowers are moderately susceptible to late spring frosts |
| Type | Apple |
| Variety | ‘Fuji’ ‘Ralls Janet’ x ‘Red Delicious’ |
| Harvest period | October to early November |
| Eating period | November to May |
| Fruit | Medium to large; very juicy; cream-colored to pale yellow flesh; very firm and crisp |
| Skin Color | Ground color: yellow-green to yellow; overcolor: pinkish-red to dark red; often striped and mottled |
| Flavor | Very sweet with low acidity; mild, well-balanced flavor with subtle honey-like and fruity notes; develops an even more balanced flavor during storage |
| Uses | Fresh eating; dessert apple; baking; juice; excellent keeping quality and can be stored under refrigeration until May or June |
| Susceptibility | Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis): moderately susceptible Powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha): moderately susceptible Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora): moderately to highly susceptible Apple canker (Neonectria ditissima): moderately susceptible Codling moth (Cydia pomonella): no known genetic resistance |
| Growth | Moderate to vigorous growth Upright to broadly spreading crown Well-branched crown Green, deciduous foliage Deep-rooted White to pale pink flowers; April to May |
Site requirements Hardiness | Full sun to light partial shade; deep, well-drained, fertile soil Winter hardy; susceptible to late frosts during flowering |
| Type | Apple |
| Variety | ‘Glockenapfel’ Parentage unknown; presumed to be of Central European origin; known and widely cultivated since the 18th century |
| Harvest period | October to early November |
| Eating period | December to April or May |
| Fruit | Medium to large; bell-shaped to conical; firm, fine-textured, and juicy flesh; becomes softer and more aromatic during storage |
| Skin Color | Ground color: greenish-yellow, turning yellow during storage; occasionally with a faint orange to reddish blush on the sun-exposed side |
| Flavor | Sour and only mildly aromatic at harvest; balanced sweet-sour, mild, and slightly spicy after storage |
| Uses | Dessert apple; baking apple; cooking apple; juice and cider production; excellent keeping quality, keeps until April or May with proper storage |
| Susceptibility | Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis): Low to moderate susceptibility Powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha): Low to moderate susceptibility Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora): Moderately susceptible Apple canker (Neonectria ditissima): Moderately susceptible Codling moth (Cydia pomonella): No genetic resistance known |
| Growth | Broad, well-branched crown Green deciduous foliage White to pale pink flowers, April–May |
Site requirements Hardiness | Full sun to light partial shade; deep, well-drained, fertile soil Winter hardy; flowers relatively tolerant of late spring frosts |
| Type | Apple |
| Variety | ‘Rubinette’ 'Golden Delicious' × 'Cox Orange Pippin' |
| Harvest period | Early to mid-October |
| Eating period | From harvest to January or February |
| Fruit | Medium-sized; round to slightly flattened; very juicy; cream-colored to light yellow, firm, fine-textured, and crisp flesh |
| Skin Color | Ground color: greenish-yellow to yellow; overcolor: orange to dark red, usually striped and slightly flushed |
| Flavor | Sweet and tart; balanced sugar-to-acid ratio; intensely aromatic with fruity, spicy, and slightly nutty notes |
| Uses | Fresh eating; high-quality dessert apple; fruit salads; baking; juice and cider production; good storage quality under refrigerated conditions until January or February. |
| Susceptibility | Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis): moderate to high susceptibility Powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha): low to moderate susceptibility Apple canker (Neonectria ditissima): susceptible Monilia fruit rot (Monilinia fructigena): susceptible Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora): moderately susceptible Codling moth (Cydia pomonella): no genetic resistance known |
| Growth | Moderate growth Broad, upright to slightly spreading, well-branched canopy Early onset of fruiting; good spur and fruitwood formation; consistent yields; fruit thinning recommended Green deciduous foliage White to pale pink flowers; April through May |
Site requirements Hardiness | Full sun to light partial shade; deep, well-drained, humus-rich, and nutrient-rich soils with a consistent water supply Winter hardy; flowers are moderately sensitive to late frosts |
| Type | Apple |
| Variety | ‘Braeburn’ Chance seedling of unknown origin (presumably from New Zealand; 'Lady Hamilton' and 'Granny Smith' are frequently cited as possible parents) |
| Harvest period | Late September to October |
| Eating period | October to March or April (under suitable cold storage conditions, occasionally until May) |
| Fruit | Medium to large; roundish to conical; sometimes slightly angular; firm, very juicy, crisp, and fine-textured flesh |
| Skin Color | Ground color: greenish-yellow to yellow; overcolor: orange-red to dark red, often striped; intense coloration develops under good sun exposure |
| Flavor | Sweet to tart; well-balanced sugar-to-acid ratio; aromatic with fruity and slightly spicy notes; refreshing flavor |
| Uses | Fresh eating; high-quality dessert apple; fruit salads; baking; juice and cider production; excellent keeping quality under refrigerated storage |
| Susceptibility | Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora): moderately to highly susceptible Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis): moderately to highly susceptible Powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha): moderately to highly susceptible Apple canker (Neonectria ditissima): moderately susceptible Codling moth (Cydia pomonella): no known genetic resistance |
| Growth | Weak to moderate growth Dense, broadly upright to spreading crown Good branching; regular pruning required to promote light penetration Green, deciduous foliage White flowers; April to May |
Site requirements Hardiness | Full sun to light partial shade; prefers warm sites with a long growing season; deep, humus-rich, nutrient-rich, and well-drained soils with consistent moisture availability Winter hardy; flowers are moderately sensitive to late springfrosts during flowering |
General Ecological Importance of Pear Trees
Pear trees (Pyrus spp.) play an important ecological role in fruit-growing ecosystems and semi-natural agricultural landscapes. During flowering, they provide a valuable source of nectar and pollen for pollinators, including wild bees, honey bees, bumblebees, and other insects. Mature pear trees with large crowns also provide habitat for birds, bats, saproxylic insects, fungi, and lichens. As long-lived woody plants, pear trees contribute to carbon sequestration, soil stabilization, and the regulation of local microclimates. Their fruits provide an important food resource for a wide range of wildlife and support terrestrial food webs. Traditional pear cultivars and traditional orchard systems, particularly meadow orchards, play a significant role in conserving genetic resources and promoting biodiversity. Their integration into sustainable agricultural systems enhances ecosystem services and contributes to the ecological sustainability of agricultural landscapes.
| Type | Pear |
| Variety | 'Countess Gepa' 'Nordhäuser Winterforelle' × 'Baierschmidt' |
| Harvest period | Late September to October |
| Best for eating | October to November |
| Fruit | Large; pear-shaped to broadly pear-shaped; smooth skin; creamy-white, melting flesh, very juicy flesh; few stone cells |
| Skin Color | Ground color: greenish-yellow, golden yellow when fully ripe; the sun-exposed side often has a slight orange to reddish tinge |
| Flavor | Sweet with a subtle acidity; melt-in-the-mouth flesh; very aromatic and excellent flavour |
| Uses | Table pear; fresh eating; compote; baking; juice and perry production |
| Susceptibility | Pear scab (Venturia pyrina): resistant to slightly susceptible Powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha): resistant Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora): moderate susceptibility Pear psylla (Cacopsylla pyri): no specific resistance known |
| Growth | Moderate to vigorous growth Upright to broadly pyramidal, well-branched canopy Early onset of fruiting; consistent and high yields Green, deciduous foliage White flowers; April through May |
Site requirements Hardiness | Sunny to partially shaded locations; deep, humus-rich, nutrient-rich, and well-drained soils with a consistent water supply; deep-rooted Winter hardy; flowers are moderately sensitive to late frosts |
| Type | Pear |
| Variety | 'Williams Christ' (also known as 'Williams Bon Chrétien'; marketed internationally as 'Bartlett') |
| Harvest period | Late August to early September (depending on the growing region) |
| Eating period | Late August to October |
| Fruit | Large to very large; typically pyriform with a slightly irregular shape; smooth, thin skin; creamy-white, melting, very juicy flesh with few stone cells |
| Skin Color | Ground color: greenish-white to light green, turning golden yellow at full ripeness; often with a slight reddish to pinkish blush on the sun-exposed side |
| Flavor | Highly aromatic; sweet with mild acidity; melting, juicy flesh; pronounced muscat-like aroma; excellent eating quality |
| Uses | High-quality dessert pear; fresh eating; compote; canning; baking; juice; perry production; production of Williams pear brandy |
| Susceptibility | Pear scab (Venturia pyrina): moderately to highly susceptible Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora): highly susceptible Pear rust (Gymnosporangium sabinae): low to moderately susceptible Pear psylla (Cacopsylla pyri): no known specific resistance |
| Growth | Moderate to vigorous growth Broadly pyramidal, well-branched canopy Early fruiting; high and regular yields Green to dark green, deciduous foliage White flowers; April to May |
Site requirements Hardiness | Full sun to partial shade; deep, humus-rich, nutrient-rich, well-drained soils with consistent moisture availability; deep-rooted Winter hardy; flowers moderately sensitive to late spring frosts |
| Type | Pear |
| Variety | ‘Conference’ Chance seedling; selected in England in 1884 |
| Harvest period | Mid- to late September |
| Eating period | Late September to November (keeps until January under refrigerated storage) |
| Fruit | Medium to large; long pyriform with a characteristically slender shape; smooth to slightly russeted skin; creamy-white to slightly salmon-tinted, melting, very juicy flesh with few stone cells |
| Skip Color | Ground color: greenish-yellow, yellow when fully ripe; extensive cinnamon-brown russeting, especially on the sun-exposed side |
| Flavor | Very juicy; sweet with a well-balanced acidity; melting flesh; aromatic with slightly spicy notes |
| Uses | High-quality dessert pear; fresh eating; fruit salads; compote; baking; canning; juice and perry production; stores very well |
| Susceptibility | Pear scab (Venturia pyrina): low to moderate susceptibility Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora): moderately susceptible to susceptible Pear rust (Gymnosporangium sabinae): low susceptibility Pear psylla (Cacopsylla pyri): no known specific resistance |
| Growth | Moderate growth Narrow, upright to pyramidal, well-branched canopy Early onset of fruiting; very high and consistent yields; partially self-fertile, but cross-pollination improves fruit set Green, deciduous foliage White flowers; April to May |
Site requirements Hardiness | Full sun to partial shade locations; prefers warm, sheltered sites; deep, humus-rich, nutrient-rich, and well-drained soils with a consistent water supply; deep-rooted Winter hardy; flowers are moderately sensitive to late spring frosts |
| Type | Pear |
| Variety | 'Xenia' Note: The reported parentage of this cultivar varies among published sources. While 'Triomphe de Vienne' × 'Décana N. Krier' is occasionally cited, most pomological and breeding references identify 'Triomphe de Vienne' × 'Doyenné du Comice' as the parentage. |
| Harvest period | Early to mid-October |
| Eating period | October to February (under refrigerated storage, sometimes until March) |
| Fruit | Large to very large; elongated to broadly pyriform; smooth skin; creamy-white to pale cream, fine-textured, melting, and very juicy flesh with few stone cells |
| Skin Color | Ground color: green, turning greenish-yellow to yellow at full ripeness; occasionally with a slight reddish blush on the sun-exposed side |
| Flavor | Very juicy; sweet with balanced acidity; delicately aromatic; melting flesh |
| Uses | High-quality dessert pear; fresh eating; fruit salads; compote; desserts; juice; excellent keeping quality under refrigerated storage |
| Susceptibility | Pear scab (Venturia pyrina): low to moderate susceptibility Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora): low to moderate susceptibility Pear rust (Gymnosporangium sabinae): low susceptibility Pear psylla (Cacopsylla pyri): no known specific resistance |
| Growth | Moderate growth Broadly pyramidal to spreading, well-branched canopy Early fruiting; high and regular yields Green to dark green, deciduous foliage White flowers; April to May |
Site requirements Hardiness | Full sun to partial shade; prefers warm, sheltered locations; deep, humus-rich, nutrient-rich, well-drained soils with consistent moisture availability; deep-rooted Winter-hardy; flowers are moderately sensitive to late spring frosts |
General Ecological Importance of Quince Trees
Quince trees (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) are ecologically important as long-lived woody plants in agricultural landscapes and semi-natural habitats. Their flowers provide a valuable source of nectar and pollen for a wide range of pollinators, including honey bees, wild bees, bumblebees, and other insects, thereby supporting local biodiversity. As perennial woody plants, quince trees contribute to carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and the regulation of local microclimates. Their fruits provide a food resource for a variety of wildlife species and support terrestrial food webs. Mature quince trees may also provide habitat for saproxylic organisms, birds, and small mammals. The conservation of traditional quince cultivars contributes to the preservation of genetic resources and cultivated plant diversity. Through their integration into meadow orchards, home gardens, and sustainable agricultural systems, quince trees contribute to the provision of ecosystem services and the ecological sustainability of agricultural landscapes.
| Type | Quince |
| Variety | 'Konstantinopler Apfelquitte' Historic apple quince cultivar; exact origin uncertain, but generally believed to have originated in the eastern Mediterranean region, particularly present-day Türkiye. |
| Harvest maturity | Early to mid-October |
| Optimal ripeness | October to December (after a short period of postharvest ripening) |
| Fruit | Medium to large; apple-shaped to nearly round; densely covered with fine tomentose hairs, becoming almost glabrous at maturity; firm, creamy-white to yellowish-white, fine-textured flesh; highly aromatic |
| Skin Color | Ground color: greenish-yellow, turning bright golden yellow at full maturity |
| Flavor | Astringent and tart when raw; after cooking or processing, pleasantly sweet-tart with an intense, characteristic quince aroma |
| Uses | Jelly; jam; compote; quince paste (quince cheese); juice; syrup; liqueurs; distilled spirits; excellent for cooking and baking |
| Susceptibility | Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora): low to moderate susceptibility Quince leaf blight (Diplocarpon mespili): low to moderate susceptibility Brown rot (Monilinia fructigena): low to moderate susceptibility No known specific genetic resistance |
| Growth | Moderate growth Upright to broadly spreading, well-branched canopy Early fruiting; high and regular yields Medium-green, deciduous foliage Large white to pale pink flowers; April to May |
Site requirements Hardiness | Full sun to partial shade; prefers warm, sheltered locations; deep, humus-rich, nutrient-rich, well-drained soils with consistent moisture availability; deep-rooted; sensitive to waterlogging Winter hardy; suitable for most Central European growing regions; flowers are moderately susceptible to late spring frosts. |