1. Fruit Research Unit of Forlì (CRA‐FRF)
Pear and Apple Breeding Program
Gianluca Baruzzi
Mauro Bergamaschi
Sandro Sirri
Walther Faedi

2. CRA (Agricultural Research Council)
is a National Research Organization
which operates
under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture,
with general scientific competence within the fields of
agriculture,
agroindustry,
food, fishery and forestry.
Italian largest public agency operating in the field of agriculture

3. The CRA joins the experience of
‐ 28 Agricultural Research Centers
‐ 54 smaller Units
for a total of 82 Institutes.

4. Forlì Fruit culture Unit (CRA‐FRF) is located in the South‐east
of Po Valley.
It is involved in research activities on
apple, pear, peach, plum, cherry and strawberry.
The activity mainly aims variety evaluation and breeding
using traditional techniques finalized to select new improved
varieties well adapted mainly for Po Valley conditions.

5. Fruit Research Unit of Forlì (CRA‐FRF)
Apple and Pear Breeding Strategies
Traditional breeding methods:
‐ crosses (complementary recombination mating scheme)
‐ seedlings selections (superior segregants were selected, 1‐2%)
‐ evaluation of selected seedlings (I° and II° level; graphted plants);
‐ final field and market evaluation (III° level) made by growers
associations co‐founding breeding activity;
We decide together the release of new varieties.

6. Funding
Pear and Apple breeding program started in 1971 it was
completely funded by the Ministry of Agriculture.
From 1993 to 2002 the program was included in the Italian
National Project “Frutticoltura”, mainly supported by the
Ministry of Agriculture.
From 2003 to 2007 the program was supported by the
Emilia‐Romagna Region.
In 2007 public funding stopped!!!!!!

7. Funding after 2007
Fortunately in 2007 a new private/pubblic program started. It was co‐
funded by Consortium NewPlant. It joins 3 important grower
associations: Apofruit Italia, ApoConerpo and Orogel Fresco
A long‐term agreement was signed between CRA and NewPlant.
Basically, we decide together the general objectives taking into
account mainly grower association request.
They make the final field evaluation of the advanced selections and
according to us decide the release of new varieties.
They manage the results of new variety released.

8. FIRST VARIETY RELEASED in 2012
FALSTAFF
It will be managed by New Plant with a “club system”. Regulation will be
discussed in the next few weeks but most likely will be open only to
european
large
growers
associations.

9. ……..MACFRUT is the International
exhibition of the fruit and vegetable
sector held in Cesena (Italy).
…..”Falstaff wins Oscar because it’s a
new red pear variety, similar in shape
to the typical Italian pear Abate Fétel,
but with a special taste, with vanilla
flavor”………
Fresh Plaza, 2012

10. Falstaff
CPVO file n° 2012 0409.
Parent: Abate Fétel x Cascade
Harvest time I decade of September
Fruit size (average fruit weight, g) 220
Sweetness (°Brix) 15,8
Titratable acidity, g/l malic ac. 2,8
Important note: flavor improves a lot during storage
Breeder
Lorenzo Rivalta
Walther Faedi
Marco Castagnoli
Sandro Sirri

11. Disease resistance/tolerance:
scab and powdery mildew (apple)
fire blight (Pear; Aida and Boheme)
Main objectives
Improvement of quality traits
Extension of ripening season (early season for Pear; es. Carmen)
Red skin color (Pear; es.Falstaff)
Red flesh (apple and pear)
CRA FRF 171
Carmen
Falstaff

12. Variety released
Forum
Superstayman
Forlady

13. CARMEN *
CPVO n°17843.
CIV‐Ferrara has been in charge of the
commercial exploitation of the variety
out of the Italy.
The patent has been extended in many
countries outside the European Union
mainly in South America (Argentina,
Brazil, Chile, Uruguay), Australia, China,
Israel, Morocco, Mexico, New Zealand,
South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey,
Ukraine.
Origin: Dr. J. Guyot x Bella di giugno
Harvest Mid July
Average fruit weight, g 185
°Brix 15,6
Titratable acidity, g/l malic ac. 3,1

14. Bohéme*
CPVO N° 20050815.
Origin: Conference x Dr. J. Guyot
Harvest time Mid July
Fire blight tollerant varieties
Aida*
CPVO n°20050816
Origin: Coscia x Dr. J. Guyot
Harvest time Mid August

15. Forlady*
Origin: Forum x Lady Williams
CPVO n° 30557.

16. Harvest time: late September,
7‐10 days after Golden Delicious
25 days before Cripps Pink

17. The most important traits are:
‐ attractive red skin color
‐ excellent shelf life

18. CRA‐FRF 33.1 CRA‐FRF 86.17.4 X Lady W.
+20 Gala
The most important traits are: good appearance and taste
CRA‐FRF 33.1

19. CRA‐FRF 30.5 Forum x Lady Williams
+17 Fuji
The most important traits are: good appearance (similar to Fuji) and constant productivity
CRA‐FRF 30.5

20. CRA‐FRF 29.3 Forum x Fuji
+20 Fuji
The most important traits are: peculiar shape and very good taste
CRA‐FRF 29.3