AgricultureID

Comparison · crop

Pome fruits: apple vs pear

Compare temperate pome fruit tree crops.

Pome fruits: apple vs pear
DimensionApplePear
CategoryTree fruit cropTree fruit crop
Scientific nameMalus domestica (syn. Malus pumila)Pyrus communis (European pear); Pyrus pyrifolia (Asian pear)
Botanical familyRosaceae (rose family)Rosaceae (rose family)
LifecyclePerennialPerennial
Common diseasesApple Scab, Powdery MildewFire Blight, Apple Scab
Common pestsCodling Moth, AphidsAphids, Codling Moth, Psyllids
Suitable soilsLoam Soil, Sandy SoilLoam Soil, Sandy Soil

Methodology

Descriptive dimensions (family, lifecycle, associated diseases/pests, soils) are read from each crop’s reference entry. No crop is ranked as “better”; agronomic outcomes are region- and system-specific.

Limitations

  • Descriptive comparison only — not a yield, profitability, or suitability ranking.
  • Associated diseases/pests and soils are typical, not exhaustive, and vary by region.

Sources

This article draws on the following authoritative sources. See our sources & methodology for how they are selected.

  1. [1]FAO — Food and Agriculture Organization (opens in a new tab)

    Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

    Authoritative
    Type:
    Intergovernmental organization
    Jurisdiction:
    Global
    Accessed:
    2026-07-12
  2. [2]USDA PLANTS Database (opens in a new tab)

    USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

    Authoritative
    Type:
    Reference database
    Jurisdiction:
    United States
    Accessed:
    2026-07-12