pear 'Conference'

Suitable for all training forms. Flowers early and so at risk from spring frosts. Can set fruit without pollination, but tends to fruit better if cross pollinated by another cultivar. Keep a weed free area of 60cm radius around the trunk. Fruit thinning may be needed

Regular pruning required; a spur bearer

Propagate by grafting or chip budding onto a clonal rootstock for fruit; quince rootstocks are usually used. The rootstock used largely determine the size

May be attacked by aphids, caterpillars, codling moth, bullfinches, pear midge, pear blister mite and pear and cherry slugworm

No particular resistance or susceptibility. It may be affected by pear rust, brown rot, pear scab, blossom wilt and fireblight.