Nashi (Asian Pear) Trees in France: One-Hectare Plot Establishment and Work Schedule

Quick read / the essentials on Nashis (Japanese Pear Trees)

The Nashi , or Japanese pear, is a fruit tree prized for its crisp, juicy fruit. Planting it on a one-hectare plot requires careful planning to optimize growth and yield. As a specialist wholesale supplier of fruit plants , we offer varieties selected for their productivity and adaptation to French climatic conditions.

Soil preparation is essential to ensure healthy growth of Nashis. A comprehensive analysis allows for the assessment of pH (ideally between 6.5 and 7.2) and the adjustment of amendment applications. Tillage should include deep subsoiling (60-80 cm) and plowing to 30-40 cm to improve structure and drainage. The addition of 30-40 tonnes/ha of well-rotted manure promotes fertility, while a balanced basal fertilization of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium optimizes initial growth.

For planting , a spacing of 4 to 6 meters between rows and 3 to 4 meters within the row allows for the installation of between 600 and 800 trees per hectare . The ideal period is in autumn (October-November) or early spring (March-April) . Staking is recommended to support young plants against the wind and ensure harmonious vertical growth.

Nashi is self-sterile , meaning it requires compatible pollinators to bear fruit. It is therefore advisable to plant 10 to 15% pollinator trees , such as the 'Kosui', 'Shinseiki' or the European 'Williams' pear varieties. To optimize fertilization, the installation of 2 to 3 beehives per hectare is recommended during flowering.

Drip irrigation is the most effective method for maintaining constant moisture. It is important to monitor water requirements, especially during fruit formation.

At Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of fruit plants , we offer high-quality Nashi plants tailored to the needs of growers. Looking to buy Nashi (Japanese pear) plants in bulk? Our experts can advise you on how to ensure successful planting and maximize the profitability of your orchard.

Typical Planting for a One Hectare Plot of Nashis (Japanese Pear Trees)

1. Preparation of the ground

• Soil Test: Conduct a complete soil test to determine pH, texture, and nutrient levels. Nashi prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.2). Avoid calcareous soils.
• Soil work:
  • Subsoil to a depth of 60-80 cm to loosen the soil.
  • Plough to a depth of 30-40 cm.
  • Cultivator to refine the soil structure.
• Drainage: Ensure good drainage. Install an underground drainage system if necessary, with pipes spaced 10-15 m apart.
• Soil amendment:
  • Add 30-40 tonnes/ha of well-rotted manure or compost.
  • Incorporate 2-3 tonnes/ha of lime if the pH is below 6.0.
• Base fertilization: Add and incorporate into the soil before planting:
  • 120 kg/ha of nitrogen (N)
  • 80 kg/ha of phosphorus (P)
  • 150 kg/ha of potassium (K)
• Final preparation:
  • Level the ground.
  • Create mounds 30-40 cm high and 1 m wide to improve drainage.

2. Planting

• Spacing:
  • 4-6 m between rows and 3-4 m on the row.
  • Plan for approximately 600-800 trees/ha.
• Period: Preferably in autumn (October-November) or early spring (March-April).
• Planting holes: Adapt the dimensions of the holes to the root system of the plants.
• Staking: Install a stake to support the trunk, especially during the first few years, to encourage straight growth and protect against strong winds.

3. Irrigation

• Irrigation system: Drip with drippers spaced 50-75 cm along the rows.
• Water requirements: Monitor soil moisture and irrigate regularly, especially during fruit formation.

4. Pollination

• Self-sterile varieties: Most Nashis varieties are not self-fertile.
• Pollinators: Plant at least two compatible varieties or a Nashi with a compatible European pear tree.
• Examples of recommended pollinators: 'Kosui', 'Shinseiki', 'Williams' pear tree.
• Planting Ratio: Approximately 10-15% pollinator trees in a commercial orchard.
• Planting distance: Pollinator trees should be within 20-30 meters of each other.
• Pollinating insects: Install 2-3 hives per hectare during flowering.

5. Trellising (Optional)

• Training is not generally necessary, but it can be beneficial in certain situations.
• Advantages: Space optimization, growth control for vigorous varieties.
• Techniques: V-shaped system with stakes 2.5-3 m high, spaced 50-75 cm from the trunk.

10-Year Work Schedule for a One Hectare Plot of Nashis

Year 1:

• Autumn: Soil preparation (deep ploughing 40-50 cm, application of 30-40 t/ha of decomposed manure).
• Winter: Planting of trees (density 400-600 trees/ha, spacing 5x4 m or 4x4 m).
• Spring: Formative pruning, installation of the irrigation system.
• Summer: Weeding, irrigation (30-40 mm/week).

Year 2:

• Winter: Formative pruning (removal of low branches, selection of 3-4 main branches).
• Spring: Fertilization (30-40 units N, 20-30 units P, 40-50 units K per ha).
• Summer: Manual thinning of fruits (keep 1-2 fruits per floral bouquet).
• Autumn: First small harvest (1-2 kg/tree).

Year 3:

• Winter: Maintenance pruning (thinning out branches, opening up the center).
• Spring: Fertilization (60-70 units N, 30-40 units P, 60-70 units K per ha).
• Summer: Thinning out the fruit (keep 2-3 fruits per bunch).
• Autumn: Harvest (5-10 kg/tree).

Year 4:

• Winter: Maintenance pruning.
• Spring: Fertilization (80-100 units N, 40-50 units P, 80-100 units K per ha).
• Summer: Thinning out the fruit (keep 3-4 fruits per bunch).
• Autumn: Harvest (15-20 kg/tree).

Years 5 and beyond:

• Winter: Annual maintenance pruning (removal of 20-30% of the year's wood).
• Spring: Fertilization (100-120 units N, 50-60 units P, 100-120 units K per ha).
• Summer: Thinning out the fruit (keep 4-5 fruits per bunch).
• Late summer/autumn: Harvest (25-40 kg/tree at full production).

Recurring annual operations:

• Phytosanitary treatments: 3-4 treatments against scab and codling moth.
• Irrigation: 3000-4000 m³/ha/year by drip.
• Mechanical weeding: 3-4 passes per year.
• Soil analysis: Every 3 years to adjust fertilization.

Yield :

At full production (year 7-8), the yield can reach 20-30 tonnes/ha. The economic lifespan of the orchard is approximately 20-25 years.

Weed control:

Year 1:

• Hoe superficially (5-7 cm deep) every 15-20 days from April to September.
• Apply organic mulch 10-15 cm thick in a radius of 50-60 cm around the trunk.

Years 2-3:

• Hoe every 30-45 days during the growing season.
• Sow a mixture of slow-growing grasses between the rows.

Years 4 and beyond:

• Regular mowing (4-6 times a year) at a height of 5-7 cm.
• Apply localized systemic herbicides to resistant weeds if necessary.

This calendar is a guide and should be adapted according to local conditions, variety specificities and field observations.

To summarize: Nashis (Japanese Pear Trees)

The planting and cultivation of Nashi requires well-prepared soil , optimized pollination and rigorous monitoring of cultural practices. The yield of a Nashis orchard can reach 20 to 30 tonnes/ha from the seventh year, with an economic lifespan of approximately 20 to 25 years.

The key stages of the crop calendar are as follows:

• Year 1 : Soil preparation, planting and irrigation installation.
• Year 2-3 : Formative pruning, first fertilization and thinning of fruit.
• Year 4-7 : Maintenance pruning, more intensive fertilization, increased harvests.
• Years 8 and following : Full production, regular pruning and management of phytosanitary treatments.

Thinning out fruit is a key step in ensuring consistent, high-quality harvests. Depending on the year, it is recommended to keep only 2 to 5 fruits per floral bouquet .

Annual phytosanitary monitoring helps limit the impact of diseases such as scab and pests such as codling moth. Irrigation must be managed efficiently, with 3000 to 4000 m³/ha/year in drip irrigation , and weed control must be ensured by hoeing or sowing grasses between the rows.

As a specialist wholesale supplier of fruit plants , Arboriverse provides growers with high-quality Nashis (Japanese pear) plants. Looking to buy Nashis (Japanese pear) plants in bulk? Trust our expertise to optimize your orchard and ensure profitable and sustainable production.