Asian Pear tree problem - Ask Extension
Good morning
I have an Asian pear tree that has quince rust. I understand that only affects the fruit and does not kill the tree. And that there’s ...
Knowledgebase
Asian Pear tree problem #794663
Asked June 07, 2022, 10:44 AM EDT
Good morning
I have an Asian pear tree that has quince rust. I understand that only affects the fruit and does not kill the tree. And that there’s nothing I can do about it at this point in the gross process. But then suddenly a few days ago to leave started to turn yellow and today many more have suddenly turned yellow. Last year I had a plum tree and a nectarine tree whose leaves suddenly yellow before claiming off completely then both died so I’m afraid the pear may suffer a similar fate. What could be causing this?
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi,
Quince rust is typically not a serious problem for pear trees.
We don't know what caused your two trees to die last year. Leaf yellowing and leaf drop this time of year is a symptom of significant stress. Possibilities include:
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/asian-pear/
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/growing-selecting-planting-pear-trees
Jon
Quince rust is typically not a serious problem for pear trees.
We don't know what caused your two trees to die last year. Leaf yellowing and leaf drop this time of year is a symptom of significant stress. Possibilities include:
- Root system is damaged or not able to grow well in the soil.
- Soil is compacted or waterlogged at times; soil pH is too high or low or some soil nutrients are lacking.
- Inadequate sunlight (needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight
- If this is the second year of growth it is possible that the tree was stressed last year and could not produce enough food reserves in the root system to sustain new spring growth.
- having the soil tested
- pulling off and discarding the young fruits, if tree is less than 3 years of age, to encourage root growth this year (otherwise thin fruits to reduce fruit load and stress on tree)
- keep tree watered during dry periods
- remove water sprouts from tree and apply a1-3 inch deep layer of an organic mulch around the base of the tree (mulch should extend 1-2 ft. out from the trunk.
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/asian-pear/
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/growing-selecting-planting-pear-trees
Jon
