Pears in China1

Abstract

Abstract The culture of pear in China dates back to 2,500-3,000 years ago. Shi Jing (1), a book written about 1,000 BC, mentioned that “pears grow in wet low lands”. This apparently referred to Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai growing in the Yantze Valley, and possibly also P. calleryana Dene., now commonly used for rootstocks in East China. From many historical records, it can be inferred that by the time of the Tsing and Han dynasty 2,000 years ago, there were not only large areas of land devoted to pear growing along the Huai and Yellow Rivers, but also a number of good cultivars were grown with improved cultural methods. The book Shi Gee (100 bc) (8) states “In the north of Huai River, those who grow 1,000 pear trees are as rich as those barons who possess 1,000 families of tenant farmers”.