Pear Scab
Pear Scab Pear scab is a fungal disease similar to apple scab, but infection also occurs frequently on bud scales.
Susceptible Plants- Pears  Symptoms- Pear scab first appears as velvety, dark green-to-black spots on fruit, leaves, stems, and stems. When infections occur early, fruit spots become scablike with age and the fruit may become misshaped. On leaves, infections cause leaf puckering and twisting and eventually tear with age. Secondary infections that occur later in the season appear as black, velvety tiny spots on fruit and leaves. Fruit spotting can be more severe than on apples, causing fruit to be deformed with deep clefts. Twigs develop conspicuous swellings which later burst. Life Cycle- the fungus overwinters in dead leaves on the ground. Primary spores are discharged from flask-shaped fruiting bodies in infected dead leaves during spring rains and infect young leaves and fruit during periods of prolonged moisture. These infections produce secondary spores, which may cause further spread of disease during wet periods. Overwintering twig lesions from secondary infections may also be an important source of innoculum in spring. Pear scab is worse during cool wet periods, typically in spring and early summer. Prevention and Control- Grow cultivars resistant to pear scab when possible, avoid plant in areas prone to excessive dampness. In autumn, water fallen leaves on the ground with high nitrogen liquid (nettle-brew manure tea), as this will help kill the spores and decompose the leaves. Mow ground below trees to speed decomposition, or collect leaves and compost them. Cut out and burn diseased twigs. Prune pear trees to maintain good air circulation. Plant hygiene and good gardening practices are the best preventative measures for the pear scab disease.
Biological Control- There are currently no effective biological controls for pear scab.. Fungicide Control- Safer® Brand Garden Fungicide
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