scaby pears

Hi

We have a pear tree in the garden that produses loads of fruit that is good and juisy, however the skins of the pears are always scaby and sometimes split. does anyone have any ideas what it is and how to stop it or should I not worry. I have no idea what vaviaty it is.

 

The most likely cause is pear scab which is a fungus disease. If it is this the scabby patches will be dark with the splits in the centre of the patches. The leaves and branches will also show evidence of dark spots and blisters which can gradually weaken the tree. It can be controlled by cleaning away leaves in autumn and pruning off scabby branches. There are various fungicidal sprays [eg Dithane] to apply in spring.

The other cause might be capsid bug attack, which produces larger shallower scabbing more like russeting, and lighter brown in colour. The splits sometimes then appear between scabs because the shape is distorted. Again you can help prevent it by clearing up debris in autumn, but an insecticidal spray is needed [eg Fentrothian].

I don't know if there are any non-chemical methods of control other than clearing fallen leaves and removing scabby growth, but as you are getting lots of edible fruit I would try these simple methods first.
Hope something here helps!

 

If it is pear scab then you could also try spraying with a copper sulphate based fungicide. I am not sure but I think these are considered ok by organic gardeners.

 

Of course, I had forgotten that, good thinking Palustris! Also lime wash can be sprayed in spring. It isn't toolate to clear up leaves and prune if necessary. I also forgot to say burn the leaves and any branches, do not compost
them.

 

Also just had a thought. members of the Allium tribe are supposed to stop fungal diseases on roses, so gorwing chies etc round your pear tree may help. Cannot say that it has ever been succesful for us, but others report good results.
Also would love to know how to a spray a 70 foot tall pear tree, b collect the tons of fruit which drop off it and c. collect up the rather large number of leaves it sheds. This by the way is a Perry pear.

 

Thanks for the help.

I sounds like pear scab so I will et the anti fugas spray you recomended, would rather try the copper sulpate based one first a I dont like useing chemicals unles I ahve to.

Lisa, your mind is as fithy as mine :D

 

Good post. I've been suffering with pear problems like madrat, I will try the non chemical approach and better husbandry.