Quince tree

Cydonia oblonga

1. Identification and origin

The quince tree (Cydonia oblonga Mill.), belonging to the Rosaceae family, is a temperate-climate fruit tree native to the Caucasus region, Iran and Anatolia. It was one of the first fruit trees cultivated by humans, later spreading to the Mediterranean and Western Europe. It is traditionally valued for the production of quinces, used above all in the making of quince paste, jellies and preserves.

2. Economic importance

The quince tree has regional economic importance, especially in Mediterranean countries, the Middle East and Central Asia. The fruits are used almost exclusively for processing, due to their firm and astringent flesh when consumed raw. The tree is also widely used as a rootstock for pear, conferring lower vigour and greater precocity. In Portugal, the traditional production of artisanal quince paste and jellies stands out.

3. Botanical characterisation

A small deciduous tree or shrub (3–5 m), with a rounded crown and twisted branches. The leaves are simple, ovate, with pubescence on the underside. The flowers are large, solitary, white to pinkish in colour. The fruit is a large, aromatic pome, with yellow skin and firm texture. The root system is relatively superficial, sensitive to waterlogging and root asphyxiation.

4. Soil and climate requirements

The quince tree adapts well to temperate and Mediterranean climates, tolerating winter cold and hot summers. It prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soils, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. It is more tolerant of soil moisture than the pear, but sensitive to prolonged waterlogging. The crop benefits from good light and regular irrigation during dry periods.

5. Main pests

• Pear psylla (Cacopsylla pyri): Sap sucking and honeydew production.
• Aphids (Aphis pomi, Dysaphis plantaginea): Leaf curling and transmission of viruses.
• Mites (Panonychus ulmi, Tetranychus urticae): Chlorosis and loss of vigour.
• Codling moth (Cydia pomonella): Boreholes and damage to fruits.
• Fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata): Damage to ripe fruits.
• Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp., Pratylenchus spp.): Root decline and lower productivity.

6. Main diseases

• Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora): One of the most serious diseases, causing necrosis and death of branches.
• Brown rot (Monilinia fructigena, M. laxa): Rots in flowers and fruits.
• Scab (Venturia inaequalis): Lesions on leaves and fruits, although less severe than on the apple tree.
• Cankers (Neonectria ditissima): Necrosis on branches and trunk.
• Root rots (Phytophthora spp.): Wilting and death of plants in waterlogged soils.
• Powdery mildew (Podosphaera clandestina): White coating on young leaves.

7. General crop management

It includes the choice of cultivars adapted to the local climate, planting in well-drained soils, formation and cleaning pruning, balanced fertilisation focused on potassium and calcium, and regular irrigation without waterlogging. Monitoring of fire blight, brown rot and pear psylla is essential. Harvesting should be carried out when the fruits reach an intense yellow colour and characteristic aroma, subsequently being destined for processing.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database. Cydonia oblonga – pests and diseases.
• CABI Invasive Species Compendium. Cydonia oblonga – datasheets.
• Jackson, J. E. (2003). The Biology of Apples and Pears. Cambridge University Press.
• Tromp, J., Webster, A. D., & Wertheim, S. J. (2005). Fundamentals of Temperate Zone Tree Fruit Production. Backhuys Publishers.
• Layne, R. E. C. (1996). Quince. In: Janick, J., & Moore, J. N. (Eds.), Fruit Breeding. Wiley.