Knowledgebase

black spots on pear tree leaves #870321

Asked May 27, 2024, 6:20 PM EDT

Last year I submitted a question about the black spots on my pear tree. I submitted a picture and someone answered what I could do to help this sick tree. My phone was stolen, so I no longer have the picture and I thought the problem had been solved. My tree looks better than last year, but the black spots are back. I am hoping you might know what this blight was and what I need to spray on it again. If not, I will have to try to send another picture, but I am not good at sending pictures on my phone. Thanks.

Cuyahoga County Ohio

Expert Response

Hi Elaine,

Thank you for using Ask Extension.  I'm sorry the black spots are back on your pear tree.  Unfortunately, I am not able to look up your question from a year ago so I'm not able to look at any pictures. Without pictures it is extremely difficult to give a correct diagnosis.

Let's try this.  I have found an article, Pear Disease - Leaf Blight and Fruit Spot (psu.edu), that has an excellent picture of pear leaves with black spots.  If this looks like your leaves, you'll need to treat your tree accordingly. The following article, Disease Control for Home Pear Orchards (ct.gov), explains treatment procedures. 

If the picture in the article, doesn't look like your pear leaves, please send me some pictures and we can consider other problems. 

The Ohio State University Extension has published an excellent guide, Midwest Home Fruit Production Guide - Cultural Practices and Pest Management  that may be available at your county's extension office. It is an invaluable resource and may help you with any future concerns.

Good luck,





Nancy Heskett Replied May 29, 2024, 11:37 AM EDT
Yes, the first article shows the black spots I am seeing. I ordered Daconil from Amazon and will spray again.  Thank you for your quick reply.

-----------------------------------------

From: "Ask Extension"
To: "Elaine Ward"
Cc:
Sent: Wednesday May 29 2024 11:37:37AM
Subject: Re: black spots on pear tree leaves (#0140241)

The Question Asker Replied May 29, 2024, 2:26 PM EDT

So glad we were able to help

Nancy Heskett Replied May 29, 2024, 4:11 PM EDT
 I sprayed Daconil on the pear tree with blight, but as of now, the spotted leaves are flying off the tree. I see some small fruit appearing, however. I plan to spray the tree again in the fall.
My question, now, however, is it seems my 3 tomato plants seem to be getting yellow and spotted near the bottom. I peeled them off, but am wondering if they could also be affected by the pear tree blight. They are beginning to blossom now, so I hope the tomatoes will be ok to eat. I didn't spray the tomato plants. 
I appreciate your advice.

elaine

-----------------------------------------

From: "Ask Extension"
To: "Elaine Ward"
Cc:
Sent: Wednesday May 29 2024 4:11:51PM
Subject: Re: black spots on pear tree leaves (#0140241)

The Question Asker Replied June 14, 2024, 9:03 PM EDT

Hi Elaine, 

I’m in Hawaii right now and internet is iffy. I’ll be back home next week. Your county extension office should be able to help you with your tomato questions. There also should be information on the Daconil label.

Let me know how it goes.

Nancy Heskett Replied June 14, 2024, 11:04 PM EDT

Hi Elaine,

I hope your problem with the yellowing and spotted leaves on your tomatoes has been resolved. If not, here are a few suggestions that may help you.

Yellowing of the lower leaves and then subsequent yellowing upward through the plant may be signs of a fungal disease such as Fusarium or Verticillium. These are quite common on tomatoes. Fungal diseases can be treated with a fungicide such as Daconil.  Repeat spray intervals and the last safe application times before harvesting edible crops are listed on the label.

Just remember - Tomatoes need 1 - 1/12 inches of water per week to maintain plant health. Deep, slow watering encourages good root formation and is better than short, frequent irrigation. Avoid wetting foliage which can lead to fungal diseases.

Mulching reduces weeds and maintains consistent moisture levels.  Leave space around the stem.

Tomatoes can have numerous problems which can be controlled with proper cultural practices.  A resource for information on problems is the OSU website: Growing Tomatoes in the Home Garden | Ohioline (osu.edu)

I hope this is helpful.

Nancy Heskett Replied June 18, 2024, 5:58 AM EDT
Thank you for the quick response. Good advice as usual. I pulled off the bottom yellowed leaves and the yellowing seems to have stopped. Unfortunately, the spraying of my pear tree last year and again this year hasn't helped and the spotted leaves are back and falling. I will spray again in the fall, but I fear the tree is dying. There is another pear tree nearby, but it is bushy and spot free. So I might have to spray that one too in the fall.
I really appreciate having you as a source and your advice, including links to more good information.

elaine ward

-----------------------------------------

From: "Ask Extension"
To: "Elaine Ward"
Cc:
Sent: Tuesday June 18 2024 5:58:40AM
Subject: Re: black spots on pear tree leaves (#0140241)

The Question Asker Replied June 18, 2024, 9:40 AM EDT

Hopefully you'll be able to harvest some pears later this summer/fall.  My husband gave up on pear trees; found cherry trees to be much easier.

Take care

Nancy Heskett Replied June 18, 2024, 12:24 PM EDT

Loading ...