Fungal
Pear Scab
A fungal disease of pears causing dark olive-green velvety spots on leaves and fruits, leading to cracked, deformed, and unmarketable fruit in wet seasons.
Symptoms to Look For
- Olive-green velvety spots on young leaves and shoots, yellowing beneath
- Dark green to black corky scabby patches on developing fruit
- Fruit cracking and deforming around scab lesions as they enlarge
Affected Plants
Pear
Organic Solutions
Copper or sulphur spray
Apply protective copper or sulphur spray from green tip through petal fall, repeating every 10 - 14 days and after any heavy rain.
Remove infected leaves
Rake and compost all fallen leaves in autumn to reduce the primary inoculum that overwinters on leaf litter.
Prevention
- Choose scab-resistant pear varieties where possible
- Prune to an open structure to improve canopy airflow and accelerate leaf drying after rain
- Apply the first spray at green tip before symptoms appear - early protection is far more effective than curative treatment
Garden, by Willowbottom recommends only organic, wildlife-friendly solutions. No synthetic pesticides, no harmful chemicals - ever.