Conventional bare-root cattail Nashi Ichiban plant

Nashi Ichiban Variety Fact Sheet

• Color of the fruit flesh: White, fine, crisp, sweet and very juicy, sometimes grainy in its center.
• Skin color: Slightly rough and golden bronze in color, turning brownish-bronze when ripe.
• Size and Shape: Nashi 'Ichiban' fruits are medium-sized, reaching about 4-5 cm in diameter. The fruits are subglobose, rounded like an apple.
• Tree Size: Nashi 'Ichiban' can reach a height of 4 to 5 meters, with vigorous growth and dense foliage.
• Fruit maturity: The harvest of 'Ichiban' nashis generally takes place in late June and early July.
• Fruit Taste: Sweet and slightly acidic, with a mild but refreshing taste.
• Earliness of the variety: Nashi 'Ichiban' is considered a variety that ripens quickly, just before Shinseiki.
• Fruiting period: The fruits of Nashi 'Ichiban' ripen in late summer, usually in August.
• Disease Resistance and Storage: Nashi 'Ichiban' has good resistance to several common pear diseases. It is also cold and drought tolerant. The fruit keeps well in the refrigerator for about a month.
• Is this variety self-fertile? Nashi 'Ichiban' requires cross-pollination with another variety to produce fruit, as it is self-sterile. Although Nashi 'Ichiban' is partially self-fertile, having other nashi varieties nearby greatly improves pollination and fruit production.
• Commercial Use: 'Ichiban' nashi are excellent for fresh consumption, but they can also be used in fruit salads, desserts, or pressed for juice.
• Comments: It is important to mulch the base of the tree to keep the soil cool and to water regularly in case of high heat. In winter, a little wood ash can be added to stimulate fruiting.

Speed ​​Reading / The Essentials of Nashi Ichiban

Nashi 'Ichiban' is an early variety of Asian pear tree highly valued by French producers for its rapid fruit set , disease resistance and adaptation to temperate climates . Native to East Asia, particularly Japan, China and Korea, it offers a harvest from the end of June , well before other varieties such as 'Shinseiki' , making it an opportunity for apple growers wishing to diversify their production calendar.

As a specialist wholesale supplier of Nashi plants , Arboriverse offers Nashi 'Ichiban' plants that are rigorously selected to ensure optimal production and good profitability . Buying Nashi 'Ichiban' plants from an expert allows growers to secure their orchard and optimize their yield.

Nashi 'Ichiban' is distinguished by its medium-sized fruits with golden bronze skin, containing crisp, juicy white flesh with a sweet, balanced taste. Its grainy texture, characteristic of Nashis, is reduced here, making the fruit particularly pleasant to bite into. Thanks to its firm structure , it keeps well for up to a month after harvest.

This variety tolerates temperatures down to -15°C and adapts well to deep, well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH . However, it is best to avoid soils that are too chalky, which can cause iron deficiencies. Organic mulch is recommended to maintain soil moisture and promote optimal growth.

In terms of pollination, Nashi 'Ichiban' is partially self-fertile , but its yield is significantly improved in the presence of varieties such as 'Hosui' , 'Kosui' and 'Shinseiki' . Its spreading habit requires regular pruning , which encourages the development of young fruit-bearing branches.

The choice of rootstock is essential to ensure optimal growth:

• Pyrus calleryana : Provides vigor and tolerance to well-drained soils.
• Pear tree franc 'Kirchensaller-mostbirne' : Suitable for calcareous soils and ensures good resistance to diseases.
• Quince : Can be used, but requires specific compatibility with the 'Ichiban'.

Nashi 'Ichiban' is resistant to common diseases (scab, powdery mildew), but vigilance is recommended against aphids and codling moth . The use of pheromone traps and the strengthening of biodiversity are effective solutions for integrated pest management.

With Arboriverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of Nashi plants , growers have access to Nashi 'Ichiban' plants adapted to French conditions and benefiting from specialized technical support . Buying Nashi 'Ichiban' plants from an expert guarantees reliable and profitable production .

Introducing Nashi 'Ichiban' for professional apple growers and producers in France

Nashi 'Ichiban' is an early-ripening variety of Asian pear (Pyrus pyrifolia), native to East Asia, particularly Japan, China, and Korea. It is particularly valued for its rapid fruit set, disease resistance, and adaptation to temperate climates. This variety is ideal for growers seeking an early harvest with crisp, sweet, and well-storable fruit.

Origin and general characteristics

The Nashi 'Ichiban' pear belongs to the Asian pear family, a species that has been cultivated for centuries in Asia for its juicy and fragrant fruit. Its name, meaning "number one" in Japanese, reflects its precocity and taste. It is distinguished by its hardiness and ease of cultivation, making it a variety suitable for many French regions.

Description of the fruit

Nashi 'Ichiban' fruits are medium-sized, typically 4 to 5 cm in diameter. Their skin is slightly rough, golden bronze in color when ripe, sometimes with brownish-bronze hues. The flesh is white, thin, crisp, and very juicy, with a well-balanced sweet flavor. The grainy texture characteristic of Nashis is reduced in this variety, making it particularly pleasant to bite into.

Thanks to its firm structure, the 'Ichiban' fruit keeps well after harvest, with a shelf life of up to one month in the refrigerator.

Growing conditions and adaptation to French soil

Nashi 'Ichiban' adapts well to temperate climates and tolerates temperatures down to -15°C. It prefers a sunny location and deep, well-drained, well-filtered soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.

Although it tolerates various soil types, it is advisable to avoid soils that are too chalky, which can cause iron deficiencies and affect the tree's growth. Organic mulch helps maintain soil moisture and improve soil structure, especially during periods of drought.

Pollination and yield

Nashi 'Ichiban' is partially self-fertile, but its productivity is greatly enhanced when planted near compatible pollinators. Recommended varieties for cross-pollination are 'Hosui', 'Kosui', and 'Shinseiki'.

It bears fruit quickly and offers regular and abundant production, making it a profitable variety for producers.

Compatible rootstocks and recommendations

The choice of rootstock is essential to optimize the tree's vigor and productivity. Among the options recommended in France:

• Pyrus calleryana : Rootstock of strong vigor, tolerating sandy and well-drained soils, but must be selected with care to avoid fire blight problems.
• Pear tree franc 'Kirchensaller-mostbirne' : Hardy and well adapted to calcareous soils, it ensures good resistance to diseases and promotes balanced growth.
• Quince : Can be used, but it is important to check its compatibility with the 'Ichiban' variety.

These rootstocks allow the crop to be adapted to local conditions and optimize the tree's productivity.

Maintenance and cultivation management

Nashi 'Ichiban' is a medium to strong tree, reaching about 4 to 5 meters in height at maturity. It has a slightly spreading habit, which requires regular pruning to maintain good structure and prevent branches from sagging under the weight of the fruit.

Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to encourage the production of young shoots, which bear the majority of fruit. Adding compost or a potash-rich fertilizer in the spring is recommended to strengthen the tree's vigor and improve fruit quality.

Moderate watering is sufficient once the tree is well established, but additional water is recommended during periods of drought to avoid water stress.

Harvesting and preserving fruit

Nashi 'Ichiban' is distinguished by its precocity, with harvesting beginning in late June and early July, ahead of other varieties such as 'Shinseiki'. This characteristic makes it a strategic choice for producers looking to diversify their production schedule.

The fruits must be picked when fully ripe, as they do not continue to ripen after picking. Their tough skin makes them easy to handle and transport. They can be stored for about a month in the refrigerator, allowing for extended shelf life.

Resistance to diseases and pests

Nashi 'Ichiban' has good resistance to common pear diseases, including scab and powdery mildew. However, like most Nashis, it can be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars, which attack young shoots.

Regular monitoring and preventative treatments, such as black soap sprays or the installation of glue collars, can help limit infestations. To control the codling moth, the use of pheromone traps and the maintenance of biodiversity that favors natural auxiliaries (tits, bats) are recommended.

Uses and commercial development

Nashi 'Ichiban' is particularly popular for fresh consumption, thanks to its crisp texture and sweet taste. It can also be used in fruit salads, pastries, or squeezed to produce a refreshing juice.

Its early maturity makes it an attractive product for distribution channels looking to offer fresh fruit from the beginning of summer. It is also interesting for local markets and short supply chains, where taste quality and freshness are selection criteria for consumers.

Outlook for French producers

Nashi 'Ichiban' is a promising variety for French producers looking to diversify their offerings with an early, hardy, and easy-to-grow fruit. Its good adaptation to French climatic conditions, rapid fruit set, and excellent shelf life make it a profitable choice for the fresh fruit market.

To maximize its potential, it is advisable to select a suitable rootstock, ensure efficient pollination, and apply rigorous cultural management against diseases and pests. A study of the local market will also help optimize its marketing based on demand and consumer trends.

Thanks to its many advantages, Nashi 'Ichiban' represents an interesting alternative to more classic varieties and is an excellent addition to professional orchards in France.

To summarize: Nashi Ichiban

Nashi 'Ichiban' is a valuable variety for French producers , thanks to its ultra-early harvest , good disease resistance and adaptability to temperate climates . Its crunchy, sweet and juicy fruit , of medium size , appeals to consumers and offers good commercial potential , both in short circuits and in large-scale distribution.

As a specialist wholesale supplier of Nashi plants , Arboriverse offers carefully selected Nashi 'Ichiban' plants for optimal growth and high productivity . Buying Nashi 'Ichiban' plants from an expert ensures cost-effective production and a secure yield .

With a harvest from the end of June , Nashi 'Ichiban' is positioned as a strategic alternative to later varieties. It adapts well to temperate climates , withstands up to -15°C and prefers deep, well-drained soils , with a neutral to slightly acidic pH .

Cross-pollination with varieties such as 'Hosui', 'Kosui' or 'Shinseiki' is recommended to ensure maximum yield . A suitable rootstock , such as Pyrus calleryana or Kirchensaller-mostbirne , guarantees stable growth and good adaptation to French soils.

Nashi 'Ichiban' is relatively disease resistant , but it is essential to monitor for aphid and codling moth attacks. Using pheromone traps and maintaining a balanced biodiversity allows for natural control of these pests.

Harvesting is done at full maturity , as the fruits do not ripen further after picking. Thanks to its tough skin , it withstands transport well and can be stored for up to a month in the refrigerator , guaranteeing prolonged marketing .

With a high market demand for early fresh fruit , Nashi 'Ichiban' represents an interesting business opportunity for French producers. By partnering with Arboriverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of Nashi plants , they benefit from technical expertise and high-quality Nashi 'Ichiban' plants . Buying Nashi 'Ichiban' plants from a specialist guarantees optimized and sustainable production .