How to Manage Pests

Pear scab—Venturia pirina

Scab first appears as velvety, dark olive to black spots on fruit, leaves, and stems. The fruit spots become scablike with age and the fruit may become misshapen. On leaves, the infections cause leaf puckering and twisting and eventually tear with age.

Life cycle

Solutions

Early severe infections are of concern, but late-season infections can be tolerated because peeling removes scabs. Rake or remove leaves on the ground during the winter. Fall foliar fertilizer applications of zinc and urea may hasten leaf fall and reduce the number of spores in the spring. Avoid sprinklers, but if you use them, irrigate between sundown and noon of the following day to allow adequate leaf drying before significant infection can occur.

For more information, see the Apple and Pear Scab Pest Note.

Fruit and leaf spots of pear scab

Older scabs on fruit