Conference

History and description of Conference

Raised by Thomas Rivers, Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, UK from an open pollinated Leon Leclerc de Laval. This variety took its name from the National British Pear Conference of 1885 where it was exhibited. It is by far the most widely grown variety in the UK. It is also grown in continental Europe.

Medium sized fruit. Even pyriform to calabasse shaped when cross-pollinated. The uneven, distorted, banana-shaped fruit, usually associated with this variety, are produced when self-pollination occurs. Self-pollinated fruit is also seedless. Pale green skin turning pale yellow. Variable amounts of golden brown russet patches. Juicy, smooth, pale yellow flesh occasionally tinged with pink near the core. Sweet pleasant flavour.

Fairly compact upright tree. Reliable heavy cropper suitable for most locations. Partially self-fertile. Very good for espalier or cordon training. Excellent garden variety.

Characteristics of Conference pear trees

Use	Dessert
Colour
Flavour
Fruit size	Medium
Picking time	Oct
Season of use	Oct-Nov
Tree vigour	Moderate
Tree habit	Upright
Fruit-bearing	Spur-bearer
Cropping	Heavy
Disease resistance	Canker - Susceptible Mildew - Susceptible Scab - Slightly susceptible
Suitable for	Northern Britain
Pollination date	17
Pollination group	C
Self-fertility	Partially self-fertile
Incompatibility group	2
Pollinators	Pollination partners
Progeny	Bristol Cross Nuvar® Celebration Concorde