Brett Ennis Prevar

Prevar chief executive Brett Ennis

Orchard trials of over six newly developed pear varieties are underway in New Zealand to establish their commercial potential.

According to Radio New Zealand, the trials, which are being conducted by Prevar, are expected to yield several varieties that could be licensed for commercial planting over the next couple of years.

Prevar chief executive Brett Ennis said the varieties were still at least five years from reaching commercial production levels.

Prevar is a joint venture between Pipfruit New Zealand, Apple & Pear Australia and Plant & Food New Zealand. It was established to commercialise new pipfruit cultivars.