Three different diseases can turn pear leaves black. But making the exact diagnosis is not that easy for laypeople. However, there is no way around this if the fight is to be successful. An overview of symptoms and options for action follows.
What causes black leaves on pear trees?
Black leaves can be a symptom ofPear blossom blight, fire blight and black spotPear blossom blight can be controlled with a copper-containing agent, black spot disease can be controlled with a fungicide. Fire blight must be reported because it spreads like an epidemic. Early pruning rarely helps, usually clearing has to be done.
How do I find the cause of black leaves on the pear tree?
To identify the disease with certainty,pay attention to other symptoms Also examine flowers, shoots and fruits, preferably at regular intervals, to notice any changes. If you check your pear tree preventatively from spring to autumn, you can detect any diseases at an early stage. There are three possible causes: the bacterial diseases pear blight and fire blight as well as the fungal disease black spot.
What are the symptoms of the three diseases?
Pear Blossom Brandy
- favored by frost damage
- especially late frost
- Flowers, leaves and fruits get black spots
- fall off prematurely
Fire (required to be reported)
- affected shoot tips turn black
- look as if burned by fire
- hang wilted
- then die off completely
Black spot disease
- black leaf spots
- spread to more and more leaves
How can I fight these diseases?
You can combat pear blossom blight with products containing copper (€16.00 on Amazon). If you have black spot disease, take the following measures:
- cut off and destroy affected plant parts
- Spray pear tree with special fungicide
- also spray the soil around the tree (spores)
Fighting fire blight is difficult or impossible. Young trees die within a few weeks, many older trees after a few years. You can combat a mild infestation by cutting infected parts back to he althy wood. You have to clear a severely infested pear tree.
What do I do with the black leaves and clippings?
You shouldNever compost diseased plant parts, including the black leaves. It is better to dispose of them as residual waste. In the case of the epidemic disease fire blight, the cuttings should beburned if possible. Alternatively, it can be stored under tarpaulins after consultation with the environmental agency.
Tip
Disinfect all pruning tools to prevent further infection
When diseased plant material is cut, some pathogens stick to the blades. After cutting, disinfect the blades with 70 percent alcohol to kill any pathogens. Otherwise, other trees may become infected during later pruning work.
