Pear trees are very robust. However, they can sometimes be attacked by diseases and pests that threaten the harvest.
Most pear tree varieties are robust and resilient. Nevertheless, diseases or pest infestations can occur.Observe your pear trees carefully, then you will recognize diseases and pests quickly and can intervene in good time. This is important, because if you don't act quickly enough, you can expect a crop failure.
Possible diseases and pests on the pear tree
» Pear grating:
Pear rust is the most common. This is a rust fungus that shows up on the leaves with orange spots. The fungus overwinters in juniper bushes and transmits its spores through the air.
If there is only a slight infestation, remove the affected leaves. Spraying with field horsetail decoction helps against a heavy infestation. If it doesn't work, you have to resort to a chemical fungicide. However, the most important preventive measure is a large distance from juniper bushes.
» Firebrand:
Fire blight is one of the most dangerous fruit tree diseases. The infestation is notifiable, so you must inform the responsible garden office in your community. You can recognize fire blight by the fact that infected parts of the plant turn black and eventually fall off. Young trees usually die within a year, larger trees after a few years.
With small trees, help is often hopeless. They must be cleared. You may be able to save older trees by completely cutting back all affected parts. Removed parts must then be incinerated or disposed of with household waste. Cleanliness of the work equipment is particularly important for prevention.
» fruit tree canker:
Fruit tree canker can appear on the trunk and branches. Visible signs are dry, orange or brown discolored patches on the bark. In addition, thick bumps form, which sometimes tear open.
Rescue is often not possible. Small trees with heavy infestations do not have enough resilience and have to be felled. Larger trees need a cut of all affected areas. To cutinto the he althy wood and seal the interfaces with wound balm. Clippings must be disposed of safely or incinerated.
» Pear Blossom Brandy:
You can recognize the pear blossom smut by the black dots on the blossoms. The dots also appear later on the fruit. The cause is a bacterium. The result: the fruits do not ripen and fall off.
As an antidote, there are preparations containing copper in specialist shops that successfully combat pear blossom smut.
» Pear Expiration:
Pear decay, also known as phytoplasmosis, is transmitted by pests such as pear leaf suckers, aphids or leaf hoppers. With the disease, the pear tree sheds a lot of leaves in early summer, at the same time dry, small branches are formed. Without help, the tree will be lost within a few years.
An additional nutrient supply is suitable as an antidote. Fertilizing with mature compost or rotting manure strengthens the immune system.
» Aphids:
The pear tree is also endangered by some other pests. For example, it can be attacked by aphids. The little green creatures suck the plant sap and produce honeydew, which in turn attracts sooty mold.
The best way to combat aphids is to use nettle manure or soapy water as a spray.