Province Quince BA29C

Origin

Provence Quince (BA 29-C) is a selection from the species Cydonia obonga, which was produced by the Institute National de la Recherette Agronomique (INRA) in France. Reports from France indicate that BA 29-C is a virus-free selection of Provence Quince, Le Page Series C.

Influence on Scion Habit

Provence Quince BA 29-C is precocious, very high yielding and produces trees anywhere from 1/2 to 2/3 the size of standard pear trees. Provence Quince BA 29-C is incompatible with some pear varieties, resulting in the use of an interstem or stem piece between the scion variety and the understock. The stem pieces most commonly used are Old Home and Hardy. Provence Quince BA 29-C is more compatible with some Bartlett selections.

Disease Resistance

Provence Quince BA 29-C is resistant to pear decline, crown gall, nematodes and root aphids. Provence Quince BA 29-C is more resistant to calcareous soil types. It does show susceptibility to fire blight (Erwinia amylovora).

Nursery Habit

Provence Quince roots well and produces good quality maiden trees.

Horticultural Value

Some varieties (Bartlett, Bosc, Seckel and Clapp) are not compatible with the Provence Quince clones, and thus require an interstem to form a strong union. Anjou, Comice, Flemish Beauty and Swiss Bartlett are varieties which are compatible with Quince rootstock. Support of trees should be considered.