What's your question? Ask

Pear Trees

Q.Pear Leaves Browning

Zone 2800 | TT added on December 31, 2023 | Answered

Hello, Mid December in Australia, large brown patches began appearing on two pear trees separated over 3 km on two properties. Fortnight later, issue has spread. A few sites have photos of the issue, but none present a name for the problem, nor a solution. It is not frost caused, or fire blight. Fruit is not affected…as yet. Thank you.

A.Answers to this queston: Add Answer
BushDoctor
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Answered on January 1, 2024

This is likely Pear Decline Disease. This is caused by an organism called a phytoplasma. This particular species is carried by a little insect known as the pear psylla.

This cannot be cured, but can be managed. Proper care and insect control, as well as near perfect cleaning of dead materials will ensure a longer lifespan while living with the disease.

Other than that, you will need to get a pear tree with resistance to the disease, or with a root stock that will resist infection.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/pear/pear-decline-phytoplasm.htm

Was this answer useful?
10

TT
Answered on January 2, 2024

Thank you, Bush Doctor, for your prompt and informative response.
I am glad that there is a name to the issue. I haven't applied any compost or fertiliser for about two years and maybe that is the issue with poor nutrition. I’ll set about rectifying that immediately.
Cheers.

Was this answer useful?
00

Log in or sign up to help answer this question.

Did you find this helpful? Share it with your friends!

You must be logged into your account to answer a question.

If you don't have an account sign up for an account now.

Looking for more?
here are more questions about...
Pear Trees
Join Us - Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!

Do you know a lot about gardening?
Become a GKH Gardening Expert

OK