Troubleshooting
Bartlett pear problems — and how to fix them
Bartlett pear (Pyrus communis 'Williams' Bon Chrétien') 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.
Fireblight (Erwinia amylovora)
Williams is notably susceptible. Shoots wilt and blacken with a burnt appearance. Prune well below infection using sterilised tools; burn affected material. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which produces soft, susceptible growth.
Pear scab (Venturia pirina)
Scabby lesions on fruits and leaves, worse in wet springs. Rake up and bin fallen leaves; prune for airflow; apply preventive copper or myclobutanil fungicide from green cluster stage in affected seasons.
Brown rot (Monilinia fructigena)
Fruits rot on the tree in concentric rings of spores, especially in warm, humid conditions near harvest. Remove mummified fruits promptly. Handle fruits carefully to avoid bruising, which allows spore entry.
Prevent bartlett pear problems before they start
Most bartlett pear issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Bartlett pear problems — FAQ
Why is my bartlett pear fireblight (erwinia amylovora)?
Williams is notably susceptible. Shoots wilt and blacken with a burnt appearance. Prune well below infection using sterilised tools; burn affected material. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which produces soft, susceptible growth.
Why is my bartlett pear pear scab (venturia pirina)?
Scabby lesions on fruits and leaves, worse in wet springs. Rake up and bin fallen leaves; prune for airflow; apply preventive copper or myclobutanil fungicide from green cluster stage in affected seasons.
Why is my bartlett pear brown rot (monilinia fructigena)?
Fruits rot on the tree in concentric rings of spores, especially in warm, humid conditions near harvest. Remove mummified fruits promptly. Handle fruits carefully to avoid bruising, which allows spore entry.