pear tree

[CarolineW]

Hi everyone. In January I will be inheriting the plot next to ours at our allotment. On it there are VERY neglected espaliered apple trees (which I'll post about separately) and a neglected pear tree. We were told to help ourselves to the pears, so I saw those. They were pitted with little black speckles everywhere, clearly not healthy.

Can anyone advise me on what I should do to ensure that the pears next year are healthy, please?

Thanks!

[rustylady]

Get yourself a good fruit reference book - Dr Hessayon Fruit Garden is a good one. Not too technical, but very helpful. Lucky you inheriting all those fruit trees.

[FB.]

Caroline, when you say :
"...They were pitted with little black speckles everywhere, clearly not healthy..."

Are you talking about the fruit, the leaves or the bark?

If it's the fruit and leaves, it's likely to be pear scab. Very few varieties of pear can resist scab in bad years such as 2008 - unless they're sprayed to protect them.
Usually the scab is just on the skin. Pick/cut out the scabbed bits and they're still edible.

[kitchengardner]

pear scab

Caroline, when you say :
"...They were pitted with little black speckles everywhere, clearly not healthy..."

Are you talking about the fruit, the leaves or the bark?

If it's the fruit and leaves, it's likely to be pear scab. Very few varieties of pear can resist scab in bad years such as 2008 - unless they're sprayed to protect them.
Usually the scab is just on the skin. Pick/cut out the scabbed bits and they're still edible.

If it is pear scab then make sure you rake up and burn the leaves. Also prune off the scabby shoots in mid winter. Pick a cold, dry day and make sure you sterilise your tools afterwards.

Regards

Kitchen gardener

[CarolineW]

As far as I'm aware, it was just the fruit. but I'll check the shoots. And I'll be sure to rake up and burn the leaves - thanks! I must admit that I only looked at the fruit, as it wasn't our plot at that point (still won't be, until January)