Knowledgebase
Fabraea Leaf Spot and Pear Rust #783014
Asked March 02, 2022, 2:57 PM EST
Isabella County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Andrew
Here are articles on managing Rust- to stay organic, remove all junipers within 1000 feet, and use pruning of fungal bodies and cleanup techniques noted here:
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/cedar-apple-rust/
http://www.ladybug.uconn.edu/FactSheets/pear-trellis-rust.php
Organic fungicides that control Gymnosporangium may give some control of rust-
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/fungicides-fruit
For Fabraea, organic control was effective in some studies —- This study showed reduced Fabraea damage when spraying with Horticultural Mineral Oil sprays-“HMO applications also decreased the incidence of Fabraea leaf spot and defoliation of foliage” See this study
Note that all fungicide treatments should be rotated so the pathogen does not develop resistance. Other helpful references-
https://ag.umass.edu/sites/ag.umass.edu/files/pdf-doc-ppt/12-pears.pdf
The leaf damage is from feeding by insects. Usually these are caterpillars or grasshoppers. Turn leaves over to see if an insect is under the leaf.
Control is not recommended unless the insect population on the tree is so high that more than 25-30 % of the leaf canopy is gone.
Look for insects on the leaves ( especially undersides) and try to get some clear pictures- we may be able to ID the insect for you.
Trees are a food source for many types of pollinators and other wildlife, so your tree is “doing its part” in feeding wildlife, and the leaf feeding in your pictures is nothing excessive.