Quince-A is the classic dwarfing rootstock for pears. It is an outstanding rootstock on the right site, with a compatible variety, and with a good support system. Unfortunately, however, its utility is somewhat limited because Quince-A is sensitive to low winter temperatures, incompatible with many varieties, including Bartlett and Bosc (requiring an interstem graft if it is to be used with these varieties), and needs support. It is also susceptible to fireblight.

"Early in the 1900s, researchers at East Malling in England collected quince rootstocks from a number of nurseries throughout Europe, including those from the Angers region of France where quince had been used as a pear rootstock for centuries. The East Malling group designated rootstock clones with letters of the alphabet: Quince A through G. Quince rootstock clones now available in the United States include ‘EM  Quince A’ and ‘EM Quince C’  from East Malling (EM) and ‘Provence Quince’ (= Quince BA 29-C) from France." (Postman, 2009)