Troubleshooting
Onward pear problems — and how to fix them
Onward pear (Pyrus communis 'Onward') 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.
Very short storage life
Onward deteriorates rapidly once ripe and must be eaten within days of picking. Harvest when the fruit parts easily from the spur with a gentle upward twist (typically early September), and check daily as a batch can go from perfect to overripe within 2–3 days.
Pear scab (Venturia pirina)
Scabby lesions on fruit and foliage are common in wet seasons. Prune annually for an open crown, remove fallen leaves, and apply copper-based fungicide at bud burst in high-pressure years. Onward shows moderate susceptibility.
Pollination dependency
Onward is not self-fertile and requires a compatible diploid pollinator in the same or adjacent flowering group (e.g. 'Conference', 'Beth'). Without a pollinator, fruit set will be very poor even in a good year.
Prevent onward pear problems before they start
Most onward pear issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Onward pear problems — FAQ
Why is my onward pear very short storage life?
Onward deteriorates rapidly once ripe and must be eaten within days of picking. Harvest when the fruit parts easily from the spur with a gentle upward twist (typically early September), and check daily as a batch can go from perfect to overripe within 2–3 days.
Why is my onward pear pear scab (venturia pirina)?
Scabby lesions on fruit and foliage are common in wet seasons. Prune annually for an open crown, remove fallen leaves, and apply copper-based fungicide at bud burst in high-pressure years. Onward shows moderate susceptibility.
Why is my onward pear pollination dependency?
Onward is not self-fertile and requires a compatible diploid pollinator in the same or adjacent flowering group (e.g. 'Conference', 'Beth'). Without a pollinator, fruit set will be very poor even in a good year.