Pest identification
What's eating my medlar 'nottingham'?
Brown rot (Monilinia fructigena)
Signs: Spreading brown patches on maturing fruit; concentric rings of white spore cushions; infected fruits mummify and cling to the tree.
Control: Remove and bin all mummified fruit promptly; improve air circulation through pruning; avoid overhead irrigation; no approved fungicide for garden use is typically needed if hygiene is good.
Winter moth caterpillars (Operophtera brumata)
Signs: Tiny larvae hatch at bud burst and web leaves together, causing ragged holes and distorted young shoots.
Control: Fit sticky grease bands around the trunk in October to trap wingless females; spray Bt at bud burst; hand-pick visible caterpillars.
Aphids
Signs: Colonies of small insects on new growth; shoot tips curl; sticky honeydew encourages sooty mold.
Control: Pinch off infested shoot tips; blast off with a strong water jet; encourage ladybirds and lacewings; insecticidal soap as a last resort.
Keep medlar 'nottingham' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Medlar 'Nottingham' pests — FAQ
What is eating my medlar 'nottingham'?
Medlar 'Nottingham' is one of the most pest-resistant fruiting trees you can grow. Caterpillars are the main leaf threat, while brown rot (Monilinia fructigena) attacks ripening fruit, especially after wet summers. Leaf spot and aphids occasionally appear. Minimal intervention is needed under normal conditions.
How do I get rid of brown rot (monilinia fructigena) on medlar 'nottingham'?
Spreading brown patches on maturing fruit; concentric rings of white spore cushions; infected fruits mummify and cling to the tree. Remove and bin all mummified fruit promptly; improve air circulation through pruning; avoid overhead irrigation; no approved fungicide for garden use is typically needed if hygiene is good.
How do I get rid of winter moth caterpillars (operophtera brumata) on medlar 'nottingham'?
Tiny larvae hatch at bud burst and web leaves together, causing ragged holes and distorted young shoots. Fit sticky grease bands around the trunk in October to trap wingless females; spray Bt at bud burst; hand-pick visible caterpillars.
How do I get rid of aphids on medlar 'nottingham'?
Colonies of small insects on new growth; shoot tips curl; sticky honeydew encourages sooty mold. Pinch off infested shoot tips; blast off with a strong water jet; encourage ladybirds and lacewings; insecticidal soap as a last resort.