Pear trees are quite susceptible to a wide variety of diseases. Some of them are so harmful that the entire tree dies. How you can tell which disease has affected your pear tree and what you can do about it.
What diseases can affect pear trees and how do you fight them?
Pear tree diseases include pear rust, fire blight, tree canker, pear blight and pear decay (phytoplasmosis). You can avoid the diseases through preventative measures, such as location selection and care, or through natural or chemical control methods.
What diseases can affect pear trees?
The most common diseases of the pear tree include:
- Pear grid
- Firebrand
- Tree crab
- Pear Blossom Brandy
- Pear decay – phytoplasmosis
Each disease shows striking pictures that show you what is wrong with your pear tree.
Pear grid
This is an infestation by rust fungus that covers the leaves of the tree with orange spots. The fungus overwinters in juniper bushes. Its spores are transmitted through the air. If there is little infestation, it is sufficient to remove the leaves and dispose of them. If the infestation is severe, spraying with field horsetail decoction or a chemical fungicide helps.
Direct prevention is hardly possible. As a preventative measure, all juniper bushes near the pear tree should be removed.
Firebrand
Fire blight is probably the most dangerous fruit tree disease of all. It is mandatory to report! If it occurs, inform the municipal garden department.
The affected plant parts turn black and fall off. Young trees die within a year, larger ones sometimes take a few years.
Small trees must be cleared immediately. Larger trees can be saved if all affected parts are completely cut back. To prevent this, make sure your work equipment is clean.
Tree crab
Tree cancer occurs on the trunk and branches. The bark shows dry, orange and brown discolored areas. Thick bumps form on thick trunks and branches, which can tear open.
Small trees that are severely infested die or are cleared straight away if possible. For larger trees, it helps to cut off all affected areas right down to the he althy wood. The interfaces must be closed with wound balm (€11.00 on Amazon). The clippings must be burned or disposed of safely.
Pear Blossom Brandy
Pear blossom blight is caused by a bacterium. Black dots develop on the flower, which also appear on the fruit after the leaves fall off. The fruits are not ready for harvest and fall off.
Copper preparations available from specialist retailers can be used to combat this.
Pear decay – phytoplasmosis
If the pear tree sheds a lot of leaves from June onwards and many dry small branches form, pear decay may be the cause. The disease is transmitted by pests such as aphids, pear leaf suckers or leafhoppers. Most trees die within a few years.
It can help to provide the tree with additional nutrients to control the disease. Fertilize the tree with mature compost or rotted manure.
Tips & Tricks
A good location and optimal care are the best prevention against tree diseases. A he althy tree is not as at risk from pathogens as a weak one. In an acute case, don't immediately resort to chemicals, but first try to save your tree with tried and tested home remedies.
