349: Super Power of Bradford Pear with Eliza Greenman

Any relation to the Greenman's of Mystic, Connecticut?

When fruit explorer and horticultural historian Eliza Greenman received a call from owners of an overgrown orchard asking if she was related to the Greenman's who planted said orchard, it took her as she says, "down the rabbit hole".  Greenman found that she was indeed distantly related to the orchard planters and took the job offer to restore the orchard. But that was only the beginning of the story that is still in process.

In this episode you will hear the Eliza Greenman's keynote address from the Maine Apple Camp which took place in August of 2022 which was titled Orchard Restoration and Pear Breeding.

Eliza Greenman's Keynote at Maine Apple Camp 2022

Bradford Pears

Pyrus calleryana, a.k.a. Bradford Pear or Callery Pears, is a type of ornamental pear tree that are commonly found in the United States. While they are often praised for their attractive white flowers and glossy green leaves, they have also gained a reputation as an invasive species.

Despite this negative reputation, Bradford Pears can actually be beneficial for cidermakers. Greenman explains that Bradford Pears make excellent root stock for top working pear varieties. Their hardy root systems can help to improve the overall health and vigor of the pear trees, which can be especially useful for cidermakers who rely on a consistent and high-quality harvest. In other words, while Bradford Pears may not be ideal for natural environments, they can be a valuable asset for those looking to cultivate pear trees for cider production.

In this Keynote

• Dispelling the myth about "Pears for Heirs"
• The benefits of Bradford Pear

"Bradford or Callery Pear is great for root stock. Don’t cut it all the way down."

~Eliza Greenman

Contact for Eliza Greenman

• Website: https://elizapples.com/

Mentions in this Chat

• Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association - Mofga.org
• CiderCon 2023 - February 1-3, 2023
  • sign up now for the January 30th Chicago Cider Tours
• New York International Cider Competition February 19, 2023- use promo code: Chat23 for $10 off your entry submission.

• CiderCon 2023 - February 1-3, 2023
  • sign up now for the January 30th Chicago Cider Tours
• New York International Cider Competition February 19, 2023- use promo code: Chat23 for $10 off your entry submission.

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