Virus free clone from Prosser, Washington. Replacements received at NCGR 9-15-1993. Quince A is the oldest of the East Malling rootstock selections, having been bred before World War 2 to improve upon the quince rootstock of the Angers type. Despite its propagation via stooling, it has been surpassed in popularity by 'Sydo' for pear orchards in Spain, France and Italy because, although it has the same vigor control as 'Sydo', it is more susceptible to winter chill and pear decline. -- Dondini and Sansavini, 2012.