Troubleshooting
Doyenne du Comice pear problems — and how to fix them
Doyenne du Comice pear (Pyrus communis 'Doyenné du Comice') 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.
Difficult ripening
One of the latest-season pears, ripening November–December; requires warmth to develop full flavour. Harvest when firm (mid-autumn) and ripen indoors. Wall-training on a south-facing aspect is strongly recommended in the UK, especially north of the Midlands.
Fireblight (Erwinia amylovora)
A known susceptibility. Shoots wilt suddenly and blacken, resembling scorch. Prune at least 60 cm below infection using sterilised tools; burn cut material. Avoid feeding with high-nitrogen fertilisers during the growing season.
Pear scab (Venturia pirina)
Corky, dark scabs on fruits and leaves; worse in cool, wet springs. Collect and destroy fallen leaves; prune for airflow; apply copper or myclobutanil fungicide from bud-burst under high disease pressure.
Prevent doyenne du comice pear problems before they start
Most doyenne du comice pear issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Doyenne du Comice pear problems — FAQ
Why is my doyenne du comice pear difficult ripening?
One of the latest-season pears, ripening November–December; requires warmth to develop full flavour. Harvest when firm (mid-autumn) and ripen indoors. Wall-training on a south-facing aspect is strongly recommended in the UK, especially north of the Midlands.
Why is my doyenne du comice pear fireblight (erwinia amylovora)?
A known susceptibility. Shoots wilt suddenly and blacken, resembling scorch. Prune at least 60 cm below infection using sterilised tools; burn cut material. Avoid feeding with high-nitrogen fertilisers during the growing season.
Why is my doyenne du comice pear pear scab (venturia pirina)?
Corky, dark scabs on fruits and leaves; worse in cool, wet springs. Collect and destroy fallen leaves; prune for airflow; apply copper or myclobutanil fungicide from bud-burst under high disease pressure.