Pear tree leaves

Question: Many of our semi dwarf 5 year-old Bartlett pear tree leaves are curled and have these brown spots. Don't SEE any insects. Have never sprayed it. 

Any help would be great appreciated.

responder: Deb K  Replied June 26, 2023, 7:51 PM EDT
response: Thanks for contacting ask extension.  Quick question.  Do all of the affected trees have splits (canker) in the lower section of the trunk?

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 26, 2023, 8:13 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your question. We have only 1 tree. Here are a few more photos. On Jun 26, 2023 4:51 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Dear devine523, here's the response to your question: Thanks for contacting ask extension.  Quick question.  Do all of the affected trees have splits (canker) in the lower section of the trunk?   Need to reply to the expert? Click the link below, or simply reply to this email. Click here to view #0107425 Deb K Benton County Master Gardener We hope this response has sufficiently answered your questions. If not, please do not send another email. Instead, reply to this email or login to your account for a complete archive of all your support requests and responses.

responder: Deb K  Replied June 27, 2023, 12:00 AM EDT
response: My first thought is that the leaf damage is cause by pear leaf blister mites. It could also be caused by a fungus (possibly pear scab) The canker may be a different problem not directly related to the leaf damage.  To help me dig deeper I need a little more information. 1. Have you had the problem with the leaves in previous years?  Do you see damage on the fruit now or in previous years? If so, can you describe the damage? 2. Are there small holes in the trunk? 3. The picture (PXL_20230627_000459479.jpg) looks like it has a growth in the crack of the trunk. Can you give me a few more close up pictures of it. Also a description of what it looks and feels like? 4. Lastly, do you see any ooze coming out of the trunk? Looking forward to hearing back from you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2023, 2:54 PM EDT
response: Hi Deb. Thanks for your questions. Answers by each questions. (Sorry about ALL CAPS). New photos attached.On Jun 26, 2023 9:00 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb K  Replied June 27, 2023, 3:06 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the pictures. They are very helpful.. Apparently, only sends your reply email. It did not include my original question where you added your answers.    Would you please copy that entire text (my questions and your answers) and paste in a reply to this email? Thanks so much.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2023, 3:35 PM EDT
response: 1. Have you had the problem with the leaves in previous years? Maybe a little curling and perhaps a little browning, but nothing like this year.  Do you see damage on the fruit now or in previous years? If so, can you describe the damage? No, pretty much the fruit has been fine. We didn't HAVE any fruit last year, but we hear lots of people didn't. (?) 2. Are there small holes in the trunk? Not sure what you mean by "small" (pin size, a quarter?) I tried to send photos to answer that. 3. The picture (PXL_20230627_000459479.jpg) looks like it has a growth in the crack of the trunk. Can you give me a few more close up pictures of it. Also a description of what it looks and feels like? The growth is definitely woody, not soft or sticky. Feels hard. 4. Lastly, do you see any ooze coming out of the trunk? Nope. Never have.  Hope this second attempt works! Thanks for persisting.....

responder: Deb K  Replied June 28, 2023, 11:49 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the additional information. I believe we are dealing with a fungus, likely pear scab, brought on by the wet spring we had this year. The fungus overwinters in leaves and sometimes twigs so your best defense is to clean up and trash all dropped leaves and twigs. Prune out any twigs that have lesions on them. Also give your tree a general pruning to clear out branches that are too close together. This will increase air circulation which will give the tree a better chance to fight off the infections. Avoid using a sprinkler that will get water on the leaves, or if you use a sprinkler, water before noon to allow leaves to dry. Following these practices should keep the fungus in check in future years. (This regiment will also help keep codling moth populations down.) I believe the canker on the trunk of the tree is due to some type of mechanical injury which occurred in the past. The holes are probably from a sapsucker and not a borer insect. Be sure to maintain your trees health by providing regular watering throughout this summer. You mentioned that you and others did not have a crop last year. There were many areas in Benton County, that experienced a cold, wet spell at the same time the pear blossoms were in bloom. This cold weather prevented the bees from pollinating the trees.  It looks like they did their job this year! Happy gardening! Please contact us if you have further questions. Deb K & Jennifer G

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2023, 8:19 AM EDT
response: You guys are the best. We greatly appreciate you!Thanks, thanks....Mary DevineOn Jun 28, 2023 8:49 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Dear devine523, here's the response to your question: Thank you for the additional information. I believe we are dealing with a fungus, likely pear scab, brought on by the wet spring we had this year. The fungus overwinters in leaves and sometimes twigs so your best defense is to clean up and trash all dropped leaves and twigs. Prune out any twigs that have lesions on them. Also give your tree a general pruning to clear out branches that are too close together. This will increase air circulation which will give the tree a better chance to fight off the infections. Avoid using a sprinkler that will get water on the leaves, or if you use a sprinkler, water before noon to allow leaves to dry. Following these practices should keep the fungus in check in future years. (This regiment will also help keep codling moth populations down.) I believe the canker on the trunk of the tree is due to some type of mechanical injury which occurred in the past. The holes are probably from a sapsucker and not a borer insect. Be sure to maintain your trees health by providing regular watering throughout this summer. You mentioned that you and others did not have a crop last year. There were many areas in Benton County, that experienced a cold, wet spell at the same time the pear blossoms were in bloom. This cold weather prevented the bees from pollinating the trees.  It looks like they did their job this year! Happy gardening! Please contact us if you have further questions. Deb K & Jennifer G    Need to reply to the expert? Click the link below, or simply reply to this email. Click here to view #0107425  We hope this response has sufficiently answered your questions. If not, please do not send another email. Instead, reply to this email or login to your account for a complete archive of all your support requests and responses.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2023, 10:45 AM EDT
response: Your very welcome!

responder: Deb K  Replied June 30, 2023, 10:46 AM EDT
response: You're very welcome!