Geo-Nature Park recognizes the importance of orchards and biodiversity
The pear quince "Cydora Robusta" has been named Fruit Variety of the Year 2026. The award was presented by the Bergstraße-Odenwald Geo-Nature Park together with the Groß-Gerau district.
Signs of traditional fruit varieties
This selection puts a fruit variety in the spotlight that plays an important role both ecologically and culinarily. Quinces are among the oldest cultivated plants and are currently regaining importance.
Particularly in orchards, they contribute to biodiversity. Their blossoms provide food for insects, while the trees themselves are considered robust and adaptable.
Robust variety with versatile uses
The excellent variety “Cydora Robusta” was bred in Geisenheim in 1989. It is characterized by its resistance to diseases and a stable yield.
The fruits ripen from the end of September and are suitable for making jelly, jam, or juice, among other things. This makes the variety interesting for both cultivation and processing.
Planting campaign in the Groß-Gerau district
The award was presented during a tree-planting ceremony in front of the district administration building. Among those participating were Dr. Jutta Weber from the Geo-Nature Park and Adil Oyan, First Deputy District Administrator.
The annual selection of the fruit variety of the year is intended to raise awareness of the diversity of old fruit varieties and to promote the preservation of traditional orchards.
Funding for municipalities
As part of the program, member municipalities of the Geo-Nature Park receive one tree of the award-winning variety free of charge each year. The aim is to secure traditional cultural landscapes for the long term.
Further information is available online:
www.geo-naturpark.de
(DISTRICT OF GROSS-GERAU – RED/PSKGG)
Featured image: A pear quince tree was planted on Friday in front of the Groß-Gerau District Office by (from left) Jutta Weber, Managing Director of the Geo-Nature Park; Adil Oyan, First Deputy District Administrator; and Monika Dyballa, who is responsible for outdoor facilities at the district administration, with the support of staff from the Bergstraße-Odenwald Geo-Nature Park. With this action, the variety was officially named Fruit of the Year 2026. Photo: Groß-Gerau District Administration
