young pear tree with curled leaves with brown tips - Ask Extension
HI, attached are photos of my pear tree whose leaves are curled and unopened. It also has brown dry areas, especially on the tips of the leaves and s...
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young pear tree with curled leaves with brown tips #868182
Asked May 13, 2024, 12:05 PM EDT
HI, attached are photos of my pear tree whose leaves are curled and unopened. It also has brown dry areas, especially on the tips of the leaves and stipules. Can you identify the problem?
Rutland County Vermont
Expert Response
Good morning,
This could be caused by environmental stress such as frost or strong winds. Some pests such as aphids or pear slugs can also cause this browning. Check the leaves for any pests.
I do not see any powdery mildew or rust so should be able to rule out a fungal disease.
Lastly, too much or too little nutrients could cause this. If you have been feeding the tree, stop for a bit and see if it recovers. If you haven't, test your soil for potassium and magnesium. If either are low, the leaves and stipules could brown.
Thank you
Thank you for the reply. could this have been from cold temp? We did have a couple of cold nights a week or so ago.
It is very possible! If the temps got down enough for a localized frost, that could have browned the tips
