Rust on Pear Trees

[Storming Norman]

Hi Guys,

I seem to have a nasty case of rust in my garden - a bit of a first.

The new pear trees are all showing signs, particularly one of them where most of the leaves are affected.

Could I ask you for advice. I can pick the affected leaves of 2 trees but the other one is covered with spotted leaves - very orange.

What should I do first, and as a preventative. It's not spread elsewhere yet.

Thanks,

Ann

[JimineyC]

Hi. My Ken Muir book suggests a spray of Bordeaux mixture or copper oxychloride for gooseberries and currants but not for pears helpfully.
Pick off and Burn infected leaves and rake any fallen ones. Another guide suggests removing infected leaves and spraying with a suitable fungicide - penconazole, manzoceb, myclobutanil. Check whether they are suitable for pears, and they don't sound very organic. Improve air circulation, but if it's a new pear that shouldn't be a problem.
Feed the plants well to improve their health.
Nothing much there on prevention really.

[Storming Norman]

Thanks Jiminey,

Because there was not much advice I went to the RHS recently.

They told me it was European pear rust - Royal Horticultural Society - Gardening Advice: Pear Rust

It does not look good, and seems to cross with Junipers somehow and is self perpetuating.

I wonder if the nursery sent me infected plants?

I wonder if I can eradicate this without constant spraying every year - it really does not look likely. Ho hum must try harder.

They are cordon plants so circulation is not the issue really.

I am going to have to pick off all the affected leaves and see what can be achieved by spraying. i was doing so well not spraying this year - I have a really family of ladybirds in residence presently.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Ann