Bumps on pear tree leaves - Ask Extension
Quick question… we have a two year-old Cleveland pear tree in our front yard, and the tree is growing nicely. However, the new leaves on all the bra...
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Bumps on pear tree leaves #880204
Asked August 05, 2024, 7:33 AM EDT
Quick question… we have a two year-old Cleveland pear tree in our front yard, and the tree is growing nicely. However, the new leaves on all the branches seem to have these either bumps or eggs on them and now I’m starting to see bugs on them as well. It’s only on the newest leaves at the end of each branch, the rest of the tree looks great. not sure what it is, but would love any help you guys can give. I have included a few pictures, hopefully these will help.
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Kevin,
These appear to be insects. Can you brush them off or rinse them off with a hose?
New growth is particularly attractive to aphids, which suck the juices out of the leaves and fruit. If your tree is not grown for fruit some aphid damage can be tolerated. While they do not permanently harm a healthy tree, you should keep them rinsed off young trees with a strong stream of water. Insecticidal sop( not dish soap) or horticultural oils may be used. Please read and follow all directions and precautions on any garden product you use.
Here are some bulletins describing other management options. https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/pear/aphids/#gsc.tab=0
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/aphids-trees-and-shrubs/
These appear to be insects. Can you brush them off or rinse them off with a hose?
New growth is particularly attractive to aphids, which suck the juices out of the leaves and fruit. If your tree is not grown for fruit some aphid damage can be tolerated. While they do not permanently harm a healthy tree, you should keep them rinsed off young trees with a strong stream of water. Insecticidal sop( not dish soap) or horticultural oils may be used. Please read and follow all directions and precautions on any garden product you use.
Here are some bulletins describing other management options. https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/pear/aphids/#gsc.tab=0
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/aphids-trees-and-shrubs/
Thank you so much for the quick response and the information! I’ll see if I can spray them off with the hose. Quick question about that… will rinsing them off kill them or will they climb or fly back up to the leaves?
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On Aug 5, 2024, at 8:36 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Most aphids are the wingless form and they won’t climb back onto the tree. If they are winged forms they could fly in. A strong direct stream should kill the ones there.
With the mild winter and warm season there are many high populations this year. Also, some aphids are brought in on storm fronts. Some will hath from eggs already laid on the tree.
So continue to monitor, daily if you like, and use a water spray. But, they won’t kill the tree.
If you use another control, be sure to follow the instructions so you don’t over apply it. Some chemicals also must be applied only when air temperatures are below a certain level, and of course, in wind speeds less than 5 miles per hour.
With the mild winter and warm season there are many high populations this year. Also, some aphids are brought in on storm fronts. Some will hath from eggs already laid on the tree.
So continue to monitor, daily if you like, and use a water spray. But, they won’t kill the tree.
If you use another control, be sure to follow the instructions so you don’t over apply it. Some chemicals also must be applied only when air temperatures are below a certain level, and of course, in wind speeds less than 5 miles per hour.
Thank you so much!! Have a wonderful night!
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Sent from my iPhone
On Aug 5, 2024, at 4:54 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
