This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.
Problem With Pear Tree
Orchid Lady
Posts: 5,800
Hi All,
The other day I had loads of aphids on my pear tree, I sprayed it with washing up liquid solution as I normally do. The good news when I have checked today is that all the aphids have gone, the bad news is I now have black leaves and lots of the flowers stalks ie fruit buds to be have fallen off.......I guess I won't be making as much pear chutney this year 
Please see photos below, is to my fault, is it normal for so many buds to drop off (I can't remember from the previous 2 years!) or is it diseased?
0
Posts
Sorry OL, I don't know, but I thought I'd bump it up for you.
Thanks Lily
I'm not an expert - but in the photo it only looks like the new leaves are affected- which makes me think it isn't a pest, but more likely a reaction to the spraying. Was it sunny when you did it - almost looks like the leaves have been scorched, which might have happened if the sun shone on water droplets. They can always afford to lose a few flower buds, if there are still a few left on the tree you might be ok. Fingers crossed
I agree with Pansyface - I think it's probably a combination of the spray and the frost so don't panic - it will survive
I use Ecover washing up liquid when spraying against aphids etc, at the sort of strength I'd use for ordinary washing up - I've not noticed any damage yet.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
It wasn't frosty here, we escaped it
I've had a look on the top and there are still lots of buds so may still get my pears which is good, it was just quite scary seeing all the ones in the floor and the soil around it.
I remembered last night (in bed) that I had also sprayed the rose which is near it, I've checked that this morning and it's fine.
Thank you all, I feel a bit better now
It looks like Pear leaf blister mite. Read more about it here: http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=661
If the infestation is severe, it is possible that the young fruit is infected.
Thanks Flowerchild, I had looked at that already and other possibilities, but there are no 'blisters' the black parts aren't raised, they are just discoloured and they weren't yellow/orange/brown before, the leaves just went from lovely green and fresh to black. In a way I am hoping it was just the washing up liquid and nothing more serious, although I'm kicking myself and won't be doing that again in a hurry.....what I don't understand is why it has never done it before??
Perhaps you just struck unlucky with the concentration this time OL? I've been using soapy water on my bronze fennel but I worry I'm in danger of drowning the poor thing those little buggers wont let go! (Started putting a plastic bag on the soil to protect it!)
Incidentally my pear and apple tree are currently "moulting" (but look quite healthy) - I assume its normal for this time of the year? We've only had a few light frosts so I don't think it'll be that causing problems.
My pear has dropped all but one of it's fruits. I'm watching it carefully and hoping it stays..... I expect your pear is fine, just didn't like the cold winds and washing liquid combo as clarington says.
Anyway, thanks everyone