My Bartlett pear tree growing in Portland Oregon has a good crop almost every year and used to have no problems. But the last 3 or 4 years the pears have had a problem with the core looking black and diseased and hardened, making it difficult to cut through. The outside of the pears do not show any entry point, in fact they mostly look perfect. But the inside core is very hardened and the seed area looks bad. The blossom end of the pear is so hard that even with a large sharp knife it is very difficult to cut through. Also, the non diseased part of the pears taste a bit off, sour or tangy although they are crisp. I picked them when they were still green and on the tree using the stem tilting method to test if they are ready to pick. Then I stored them in my refrigerator for a few days then let them ripen to a yellow color on the counter. I was told by other gardeners that the problem is a coddling moth infestation but all the information I have found about it describes a visible mark or entry point on the side of the pear. On my pears it looks like something had entered at the blossom end of the pear. I have included some photos although I do have more if needed. What I'm hoping to find out is if something is getting into my pears when they are blossoming? Or once the fruit has formed? And is there a way to treat this in a way that doesn't use toxic chemicals? Thank you so much for any suggestions and information. Jeanie Golino