Microbiome of the William pear variety

Pyrus communis, European pear, is one of the most common species of the pome fruit group cultivated worldwide. Among the most widespread pear varieties in Europe is Williams, also known as Barlett pear in the USA. Information of bacterial and fungal communities of pears are scarce, especially in terms of metabarcoding approach. The present study evaluated for the first time the diversity of bacterial and fungal communities associated with the phyllosphere (fruits and leaves) of the pear Williams variety in two phenological stages during early (May) and late (July) fruit maturation. Knowledge of microbe community assembly living in pear phyllosphere as well as how they change during fruit maturation can help us manage diseases associated with this important pear variety.