Pear leaf blister mite - Ask Extension
I have two young pear trees approx 4 years old. The Pacific Northwest extension recommend toxic pesticides. I want to use something safe for bees and...
Knowledgebase
Pear leaf blister mite #772558
Asked September 21, 2021, 2:43 PM EDT
I have two young pear trees approx 4 years old. The Pacific Northwest extension recommend toxic pesticides. I want to use something safe for bees and myself. What can you suggest as a treatment course for this problem?
Chittenden County Vermont
Expert Response
I have just ignored it in my pear trees. It has not seemed to cause any damage to fruit or vigor. For home gardeners, no pesticides are typically warranted.
You could apply a dormant oil spray (organic) to kill overwintering mites. This should be applied before the leaves are out while the tree is still dormant.
Here is a rec from the PW Handbook:
You could apply a dormant oil spray (organic) to kill overwintering mites. This should be applied before the leaves are out while the tree is still dormant.
Here is a rec from the PW Handbook:
Management-chemical control: HOME USE
Dormant-season spray
- lime sulfur-Applications in the fall can significantly reduce populations of both these mites the following year. Application in the spring before bud swell can also be effective. Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
or
- superior oil-Apply as buds begin to swell. Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
Ann Hazelrigg
Plant Diagnostic CLinic
Thank you so much.
