Knowledgebase
What disease is affecting my Asian pear tree? #751647
Asked May 23, 2021, 5:56 PM EDT
I have two Shinko Asian pear trees in my backyard, 12-15 years old. In the past, they've had very few problems with pests or diseases, aside from some damage from stinkbugs when those arrived several years ago. However, I've noticed that a small percentage of pears would be deformed and discolored, and would shrivel up before ripening.
Last year, both trees produced almost no fruit. I suspected a late frost. This year, they've fruited heavily, but almost every pear is afflicted by the disease. I've attached a couple photos of the affected fruit. Both trees seem equally affected.
I'm surprised because I'd always read Asian pears tend to be resistant to the scourges of European pears. My one European pear (Warren), albeit much younger, seems so far unaffected.
Can you identify this disease and is there a cure/treatment?
Prince George's County Maryland
Expert Response
These look like symptoms of rust, a type of fungal disease. Several species of rust can infect pears and apples and cause the fruits to become deformed. Asian pear tends to have fewer problems than apple or European pear. Your European pear tree probably also is vulnerable. Rust diseases can occur if Juniper trees are nearby. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/apple-and-pear-diseases
It is too late to spray a fungicide for this now. A fungicide will not cure the symptoms that are already present. Remove the infected fruit and consider spraying early next year with a protectant fungicide. You can follow the Home Fruit Disease and Pest Prevention spray schedule found on our website: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/home-fruit-disease-and-pest-prevention-spray-schedule
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-fertilizing-harvesting-spray-schedule-pears
Christa
