Pear trees are susceptible to various fungal diseases. The fungus spreads on the tree and damages the bark, leaves and fruit. Which types of fungi threaten the pear tree and what can the gardener do about it?
Which types of fungus threaten the pear tree and how can you fight them?
The most common fungal diseases of the pear tree are pear scab, monilia fruit rot, tree canker and scab. Control is carried out by removing infected leaves and fruits, generously cutting out affected areas and applying fungicides or natural countermeasures such as a decoction of birch leaves.
The most common fungal diseases of the pear tree
- Pear grid (rust fungus)
- Monilia fruit rot
- Tree crab
- scab
Pear grid - common but rarely dramatic
Almost every owner of a pear tree has had to deal with pear trellis at some point. This is a fungus that overwinters in juniper bushes.
The infestation can be recognized by the orange and yellow spots on the leaves of the tree.
There are currently no effective fungicides against pear rust. Remove all affected leaves. Make sure there are no juniper bushes near your pear tree.
Monilia fruit rot – moldy fruits on the tree
If brown mold appears on the fruit on the tree, Monilia fruit rot is responsible. The pears begin to rot and fall off. The spores contained in the white coating are distributed on the he althy fruits.
All affected fruits must be picked and discarded. Fallen pears are carefully picked up. If the shoot tips of the tree are also infected, they must be cut generously.
Tree cancer causes the tree to die
Orange and brown spots on the bark and branches of the pear tree suggest tree cancer. The fungal attack causes the bark to crack or form thickenings.
For large trees, all affected areas are generously cut out. You should remove small pear trees completely as they usually cannot be saved.
Scab affects leaves, bark and fruits
Scab can be recognized by the fact that round, shimmering circles form on the leaves. The leaves fall off after a while. The fungus can also appear on bark and fruits.
Spray the tree with a decoction of one kilo of birch leaves in ten liters of water. Sometimes only spraying fungicides helps.
Tips & Tricks
If there are birch trees near your garden, collect the leaves in autumn. Sprinkle it on the tree disc instead of compost. It rots there and supplies the soil with nutrients. The ingredients in birch leaves reduce the risk of fungal attack on the pear tree.
