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pest or other problem with pear tree leaves #874646

Asked June 25, 2024, 2:00 PM EDT

Hi OSU Extension, my asian pear tree recently shows signs of pest or other problems on leaves. Unfortunately, it dropped much of the fruit. I dont know what is causing this problem. I attach picture of the marks on the leaves. Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot this? Thanks, David

Benton County Oregon

Expert Response

     Thank you David for your question to "Ask Extension".  Your asian pear has a fungal infection known as Pacific Coast Pear Rust.  The fungus, also known as Gymnosporangium asiaticum, must reproduce using two hosts — making its life cycle unique.  It typically cycles from junipers to hosts in the rose family in early springtime, around the time that asian pears go through bud break.  
     Eliminating either host is the only practical cultural control. If the pear is the important plant, remove all junipers from a 1,000-ft radius.  There are no chemical controls for the home gardener.
    I hope that you find this information useful and as always Happy Gardening.
Kevin K. Replied June 26, 2024, 4:46 PM EDT

Hi Kevin,

Thanks so much. How interesting.

I am not aware of any junipers nearby. I live in residential Corvallis and cant rule it out.

 

As for things under my control, I read online that I should discard any dropped fruit and discard the infected leaves when they fall. Anything I should do?

 

An additional interesting twist – the tree is a graft of 4 varieties of Asian pear from Shonnards. I have noticed the rust on only 2 of the 4 varieties.

 

David

 

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Subject: Re: pest or other problem with pear tree leaves (#0144564)

 

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The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2024, 5:13 PM EDT
     Good sanitary practices should help reduce spreading of the disease. Pick up the dropped fruit and leaves.  Generally, you can place diseased plants (fruit and leaves) in the yard waste bin.  Commercial compostors reach a high enough temperature to kill pathogens.  Home composting is not recommended.  Overhead watering is also not recommended.  Being watchful of the other two scions would be a great experiment.  Again Happy Gardening.
Kevin K. Replied June 27, 2024, 4:53 PM EDT

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