Troubleshooting
Nottingham medlar problems — and how to fix them
Nottingham medlar (Mespilus germanica 'Nottingham') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Powdery mildew (Podosphaera clandestina)
White powdery coating on young leaves and shoots in dry spells; more cosmetic than harmful on established trees. Improve air circulation; water roots rather than foliage. Resistant varieties are preferable in high-risk areas.
Brown rot (Monilinia fructigena)
Fungal rot of ripening fruit, especially after wet autumns. Remove mummified fruits promptly; avoid wounds to fruit skin during harvest. Good sanitation is the primary control.
Aphids
Woolly or green aphids may colonise new shoots in spring, causing leaf curl. In most seasons natural predators (ladybirds, lacewings) provide adequate control. Use a winter wash to reduce overwintering eggs on bark.
Prevent nottingham medlar problems before they start
Most nottingham medlar issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Nottingham medlar problems — FAQ
Why is my nottingham medlar powdery mildew (podosphaera clandestina)?
White powdery coating on young leaves and shoots in dry spells; more cosmetic than harmful on established trees. Improve air circulation; water roots rather than foliage. Resistant varieties are preferable in high-risk areas.
Why is my nottingham medlar brown rot (monilinia fructigena)?
Fungal rot of ripening fruit, especially after wet autumns. Remove mummified fruits promptly; avoid wounds to fruit skin during harvest. Good sanitation is the primary control.
Why is my nottingham medlar aphids?
Woolly or green aphids may colonise new shoots in spring, causing leaf curl. In most seasons natural predators (ladybirds, lacewings) provide adequate control. Use a winter wash to reduce overwintering eggs on bark.