Pear Tree With Black Spots on Leaves

Identification

• Pear trees are susceptible to fabraea leaf spot. The disease is caused by Fabraea maculata and is also referred to as black spot and leaf blight. The fungal growth is most active during the late growing season. Infection-causing fungal spores are dissipated with wind and water in spring.

Damage

• The disease starts with the appearance of brown to black spots on tree foliage. Affected leaves start to yellow, followed by premature leaf drop. This causes poor tree health and decreased yields. As the disease progresses, the spots spread to the twigs and fruit. The resulting spots on fruit are sunken. Severe infection on the fruit creates cracks.

Management

• Severe levels of infection in trees are hard to control. Keep the tree area clear of fallen foliage and debris as fungal spores overwinter there. Recommended fungicides for disease control include a combination of thiophanate methyl and mancozeb.