In general, pears do not have as many pests as apples and are commonly grown by homeowners without pesticides.
Selected varieties produce good fruit and present few management problems.
The three basic types of pears grown in the United States are European or French pears, Oriental hybrids and Asian pears. The common pears include such popular varieties as 'Bartlett,' 'Bosc' and 'D'Anjou'. These and other common European varieties are especially noted for their excellent fresh eating quality. However, the susceptibility of European pears to fire blight limits their use. Oriental hybrids include such well-known varieties as 'Orient' and 'Kieffer'.