Degree Days as a Method to Estimate the Optimal Harvest Date of ‘Conference’ Pears

The European pear is a climacteric fruit species characterised by high storability. ‘Conference’ can be stored in CA (controlled atmosphere) room without major losses for half year. However, storage to successful, the must harvested when fully developed before it enters climatic maturation phase. Among various methods used determine optimal harvest date, degree-day method, which relies on sum of active temperatures, seems relatively accurate and easy apply. During 11 years study, pears were four dates (every 4–5 days) chosen based measurements observations, then, after six-month period, date was determined. growing season, temperature measured using an automatic weather station calculate temperatures from full bloom date. Measurements made analysed, needed proper development calculated 2469 degree days. calculations are very because dispersion standard deviation only 20°. base with smallest error 0 °C. This study shows that this method recommended as useful determining