Recently, Pears in China was officially published by China Agriculture Press. This book is a systematic scientific monograph which integrates the achievements of pear research in China. It covers 1172 pear varieties with a total of 2.65 million words and more than 3500 full-color photos. Based on the general survey of germplasm resources of the genus Pyrus in China from 2008 to 2015, this book comprehensively and dynamically describes the origin and evolution of the Pyrus species in China, the overview of existing germplasm resources, pear culture inheritance, the evolution of production and cultivation technology, the transformation of plant protection and storage technology and other achievements. This book truly reflects the current status of scientific research and production of Pyrus plants in China, represents the highest level in this field in China with high authority, academic value and industrial guiding significance..

This book is financially supported by the National Publishing Fund of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, and was completed by more than 60 experts from 33 institutions over six years. Professor Li Xiugen (Former Director of Fruit Germplasm Improvement Center of Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences) and Professor Zhang Shaoling (Director of Pear Engineering Technology Research Center of Nanjing Agricultural University) are the Editors-in-chief of this book.

This book can provide not only an important reference for the scientific research and industrial development of Pyrus plants in China, but also reliable learning basis for the readers. It will also contribute to strengthening the rescue and protection of germplasm resource of local fruit tree.

By Xue Huabai (xuehuabai@caas.cn)