Pear tree - Ask Extension
My pear tree has some leaves that are turning red with something attached on the bottom. I use copper fungicide and neem to spray a couple times a yea...
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Pear tree #854692
Asked November 04, 2023, 3:02 PM EDT
My pear tree has some leaves that are turning red with something attached on the bottom. I use copper fungicide and neem to spray a couple times a year. Blooms and fruits normally. This year I did have trouble with codling moth on this and my apple trees but that’s all I really noticed that was different. Thanks!
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. What you're seeing are the fruiting bodies of a common fungus called European pear rust, described here: https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/pear-pyrus-spp-trellis-rust-european-pear-rust
As this resource indicates, the only way to control it is to destroy any juniper plants close enough for the fungus spores to be spread by the wind between the two plants (1000 feet). All of the fungicides listed will have only a short term control effect, and are not available to homeowners. Copper sprays will not work either. I hope this is helpful. Good luck!
As this resource indicates, the only way to control it is to destroy any juniper plants close enough for the fungus spores to be spread by the wind between the two plants (1000 feet). All of the fungicides listed will have only a short term control effect, and are not available to homeowners. Copper sprays will not work either. I hope this is helpful. Good luck!
