Horticultural Alternatives for Texas Agriculture

Pears

Estimated Cost $2,500 per acre establishment; $100 per acre annual operating and harvest; 6 years to first harvest

Market Outlets Local sales, farmers markets

Market Potential Poor; only low volume needed

Profit Potential $0 to $800 per acre

Adapted Areas Most of Texas

Labor Requirements Very low, one man per 25 acres except at harvest

Equipment Requirements Tractor, shredder, hand gun sprayer

Soil Requirements Widely adapted

Water Requirements Rainfall only except in West Texas

Minimum Size 1/4 acre

Risk Factor High

Other Limiting Factors High quality pears such as Bartlett are not adapted to Texas because fireblight kills the trees.

Additional Information

Comments Asian pears are untested in Texas but may hold some potential in areas with large oriental population. Consider Asian pears a high risk crop at this time.

Alternatives Index

Estimated Cost	$2,500 per acre establishment; $100 per acre annual operating and harvest; 6 years to first harvest
Market Outlets	Local sales, farmers markets
Market Potential	Poor; only low volume needed
Profit Potential	$0 to $800 per acre
Adapted Areas	Most of Texas
Labor Requirements	Very low, one man per 25 acres except at harvest
Equipment Requirements	Tractor, shredder, hand gun sprayer
Soil Requirements	Widely adapted
Water Requirements	Rainfall only except in West Texas
Minimum Size	1/4 acre
Risk Factor	High
Other Limiting Factors	High quality pears such as Bartlett are not adapted to Texas because fireblight kills the trees.
Additional Information
Comments	Asian pears are untested in Texas but may hold some potential in areas with large oriental population. Consider Asian pears a high risk crop at this time.