Black Spots on Pears
I am growing pear trees. The trees have small pears but the pears have black spots on them. Am I suppose to spray these trees, if so, when, and with what?
Pears like apples are susceptible to a fungal disease called scab. Cool wet spring weather increases the occurrence of this and other fungal diseases. At this point I would let the crop continue to grow and develop. Harvest and store the blemish-free fruit. Remove spotted areas on damaged fruit and use the good portion immediately. Rake and destroy all the spotted fruit and leaves that drop to the ground. Sanitation and a drier season next year may be sufficient to keep this disease in check. If the problem continues you may want to use a fungicide labeled for fruit crops. Spray when the buds start to swell and every 10 to 14 days for at least 4 or 5 applications in the spring. In wet seasons you may want to continue treatment throughout the summer. Be sure to read and follow all label directions carefully.
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