Tree quality and canopy management effects on the growth and floral precocity of young 'Doyenne du Cornice' pear trees

'Doyenne du Cornice' pear (Pyrus communis L.) trees were selected from commercial nurseries 1 and 2 years after budding, and graded for size and number of side branches. At planting in an orchard trees of each of three grades received three pruning management treatments. For 2 years trees were assessed for shoot vigour and complexity, spur development, floral precocity, and tree form. Tree growth and precocity were influenced by both initial tree quality and early tree management. Planting out a 2-year large branched (Grade 1) nursery tree resulted in the largest and most precocious tree. One-year unbranched (Grade 3) maiden rods remained the smallest and least fruitful trees after 2 years. Tree management by bending the leader horizontally in the first season increased the number of moderately weak side shoots and floral precocity. Orchard performance of 'Doyenne du Cornice' may be enhanced by planting large branched trees or applying a non-invigorating leader bending management that encourages early cropping of young trees.