Troubleshooting
Conference pear problems — and how to fix them
Conference pear (Pyrus communis 'Conference') 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.
Pear scab (Venturia pirina)
Dark, scabby lesions on leaves and fruit. Most common in cool, wet springs. Improve airflow by pruning; collect and dispose of fallen leaves. Apply copper fungicide or myclobutanil at bud-burst if scab pressure is high.
Fireblight (Erwinia amylovora)
Bacterial disease causing shoot tips to die back with a characteristic 'shepherd's crook' wilt and blackened, scorched appearance. Prune affected wood 30–60 cm below visible infection; sterilise tools between cuts. No cure; prevention through good airflow and avoiding excess nitrogen.
Pear midge (Contarinia pyrivora)
Grubs feed inside fruitlets in late spring, causing them to turn black and fall prematurely. Remove and destroy infested fruitlets immediately. Cultivate soil beneath the canopy in autumn to expose overwintering pupae to frost.
Prevent conference pear problems before they start
Most conference pear issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Conference pear problems — FAQ
Why is my conference pear pear scab (venturia pirina)?
Dark, scabby lesions on leaves and fruit. Most common in cool, wet springs. Improve airflow by pruning; collect and dispose of fallen leaves. Apply copper fungicide or myclobutanil at bud-burst if scab pressure is high.
Why is my conference pear fireblight (erwinia amylovora)?
Bacterial disease causing shoot tips to die back with a characteristic 'shepherd's crook' wilt and blackened, scorched appearance. Prune affected wood 30–60 cm below visible infection; sterilise tools between cuts. No cure; prevention through good airflow and avoiding excess nitrogen.
Why is my conference pear pear midge (contarinia pyrivora)?
Grubs feed inside fruitlets in late spring, causing them to turn black and fall prematurely. Remove and destroy infested fruitlets immediately. Cultivate soil beneath the canopy in autumn to expose overwintering pupae to frost.