PRESENTATION. The XIII International Pear Symposium will be an ideal environment for discussion and exchange of the latest infortamtion on pear. Scientists, researchers, students, technicians, consultants, industry people, nurserymen, growers, and other interested persons will be able to share their knowledge and experience to improve together in the challenging and amazing culture of pear. Uruguay will be hosting the symposium and has its doors opened to show what pear production means in the country., since its beginning with the first European immigrants until today. Evolution of pear culture and the technological changes have managed to keep it as one of the main fruits produced and with good perspective for the future. The main activities will take place in the city of Montevideo, capital of the República Oriental del Uruguay. Due to its proximity to one of the main fruit growing areas, it will be possible to visit many plantations together with the scenic touristic landscapes. PROGRAM. 1.-Pear Genetics - Rootstocks and Cultivar Evaluation. 2.-Orchard Systems and Management. 3.-Plant Protection, Pests and Diseases. 4.-Agroecology and System Design - TICs and Robotic. 5.-Fruit Quality. 6.-Postharvest.