Pear tree disease - Ask Extension
We have a pear tree that was planted in 2016. It is either a Parker pair or Summercrisp pear tree. It has been healthy up until now. It started out he...
Knowledgebase
Pear tree disease #880995
Asked August 11, 2024, 8:35 AM EDT
We have a pear tree that was planted in 2016. It is either a Parker pair or Summercrisp pear tree. It has been healthy up until now. It started out healthy this year, but within the last few weeks, it has developed some type of fungus or disease. The leaves look okay, but the fruit is all black spotted and several of the pairs are split open. Attached are a few pictures. Do you know what this could be? Also, do you know how to treat it? Lastly, do you know if it is contagious to apple cherry or plum trees?
Anoka County Minnesota
Expert Response
The bitter rot described in the first web page would be my guess. Note it says that apple trees could contract this disease also.
https://extension.psu.edu/apple-and-pear-disease-bitter-rot
https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/FRUIT/pears.html
https://portal.ct.gov/caes/fact-sheets/plant-pathology/disease-control-for-home-pear-orchards
For a definiate diagnosis send a sample to the Plant Disease Clinic. There is a fee for this service.
https://pdc.umn.edu/
https://extension.psu.edu/apple-and-pear-disease-bitter-rot
https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/FRUIT/pears.html
https://portal.ct.gov/caes/fact-sheets/plant-pathology/disease-control-for-home-pear-orchards
For a definiate diagnosis send a sample to the Plant Disease Clinic. There is a fee for this service.
https://pdc.umn.edu/
Thanks for the quick follow up, Linda. I reviewed the websites you provided and completed some additional research. Based on the small black spots and cracking/scabbing fruit, I believe it is pear scab. It appears that a copper or similar fungicide will help to control it. Do you have any recommendations for organic fungicides containing copper or similar?
Thanks again for your help.
Regards,
Brian
From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension
Sent: Sunday, August 11, 2024 12:04 PM
To: Brian Baar
Subject: Re: Pear tree disease (#0150913)
Sent: Sunday, August 11, 2024 12:04 PM
To: Brian Baar
Subject: Re: Pear tree disease (#0150913)
We do not get into making references by brand names. You will have to read the fine print on the containers to find which ones contain copper.
No problem.
Thanks again for the help!
Brian
From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension
Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2024 9:25 PM
To: Brian Baar
Subject: Re: Pear tree disease (#0150913)
Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2024 9:25 PM
To: Brian Baar
Subject: Re: Pear tree disease (#0150913)
