A number of different insects, mites and diseases commonly attack pear trees in Connecticut. Unfortunately, they are not all present at the same time but appear in a definite sequence from the time buds break dormancy until the fruit is ready to be harvested. If the insect, mite and disease recommendations given in this leaflet are followed carefully, you should obtain a high percentage of clean fruit from a home planting. The proper timing of spray applications and thorough coverage of leaves and fruit are as important as the spray materials used. Be sure to cover all parts of the tree canopy, inside and out. Apply until the spray starts to drip from the foliage. Read the label for the minimum number of days between the last spray application and harvest.
The following materials may be used to control the pests commonly found on pear trees. Consult the chart for proper timing. Read the label for dosage rates.
|
Pesticide |
Pests Controlled |
| Benomyl (BenlateR) | Scab, leaf and fruit spots |
| Sulfur | Scab, powdery mildew, leaf and fruit spots |
| Ferbam | Scab, leaf and fruit spots |
| Malathion | Sucking insects and mites |
| Methoxychlor | Chewing insects |
| Carbaryl (SevinR) | Blister mites |
| ImidanR | Plum curculio, plant bugs |
| Spray oil (60 to 70 sec.vis.) | Pear psylla, mites, scale |
| Insecticidal soap (Safer'sR)** | Pear psylla, aphids |
| Timing of Treatment | Major Pests | Materials to Use |
| Dormant--Apply just before or as buds swell on a warm day (Late March/early April). Repeat in 7-10 days | Pear psylla, blister mite, scale insects. See notes 1 and 2. | 60 to 70 sec. Oil. Do not apply when the temperature is below 40o or likely to fall below freezing in the 24 hours following application. |
| Cluster Bud--Apply after the blossom buds are fully exposed but before they separate from the cluster. | Psylla, Plant bugs and pear midge, Scab, leaf and fruit spots. |
Safer'sR soap. See Note 2 Malathion. See Note 3. Ferbam, BenlateR or Sulfur. |
| Bloom--When 25% or more of the blossom buds are in bloom. |
Scab, leaf and fruit spots. Fire blight. |
Ferbam, BenlateR or Sulfur. See Note 4. DO NOT APPLY ANY INSECTICIDES DURING BLOOM. Protect bees!! |
| Petal Fall--When blossoms have dropped from the tree. | Curculio, plant bugs. Scab, leaf and fruit spots. See summer sprays for Psylla control. |
ImidanR Ferbam, BenlateR or Sulfur. |
| First Cover--About 7 days after Petal Fall and just before an anticipated period of warm weather. | Same as above. | ImidanR plus Ferbam, BenlateR or Sulfur. |
| SUMMER SPRAY | ||
| Petal Fall through harvest as needed. See Notes 2 and 5. |
Pear psylla Scab, leaf and fruit spots |
Safer'sR soap Ferbam, BenlateR or Sulfur |
| June 15-30 | Codling Moth | ImidanR |
| June-July when 50% of pear terminals have aphids | Aphids | Malathion or Safer'sR soap |
NOTE 2. Blackened, sticky foliage, twigs and fruit are typical symptoms of a pear psylla infestation. The adult psylla is 1/10 inch long and looks like a miniature cicada. The immature stages (nymphs) are yellow to brown soft-bodied insects which secrete a clear sticky liquid (honeydew). Psylla has become increasingly difficult to control in some areas. The dormant oil sprays are very important because they discourage psylla females from laying eggs on oiled bark. From petal fall through harvest, psylla control may be necessary if 5-10% of pear terminals (branch tips) are infested with psylla nymphs. Malathion may have little effect on psylla. Safer'sRsoap is most effective on the nymph stage. The soap kills by direct contact so complete coverage is necessary. Repeat applications may be needed as eggs hatch.
NOTE 3. Pear midge, a tiny fly, causes deformed fruit infested with maggots and often, serious premature drop of the young fruit. Where this pest has been a problem, make two spray applications; the first at cluster bud and the other seven days later. Spray all the bark thoroughly.
NOTE 4. Fire blight is a serious bacterial disease of pears. The most characteristic symptom is the appearance of black-brown foliage and fruit attached to dead twigs. The disease is spread during bloom. If a problem, prune out infected branches, cutting at least 12 inches below any sign of the disease. After each cut, disinfect the pruning tool in a solution containing 1 part bleach (CloroxR) to 9 parts water or dip in 70% alcohol. Remember to apply a light application of machine oil to the tools to prevent rusting if you use the bleach solution.
NOTE 5. Scab, leaf and fruit spots. The early season sprays are the most important in controlling most of these diseases. If season is exceptionally wet or disease was severe the previous year, additional sprays may be necessary during the summer. Do not use Ferbam within seven days of harvest.
Prepared by: Lorraine M. Los, Tree Fruit IPM Program Coordinator and David B. Schroeder, Cooperative Extension Plant Pathologist,University of Connecticut
The information in this material is for educational purposes. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of printing. Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended. The Cooperative Extension system does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available.All agrochemicals/pesticides listed are registered for suggested uses in accordance with federal and Connecticut state laws and regulations as of the date of printing. If the information does not agree with current labeling, follow the label instructions. The label is the law.Warning! Agrochemicals/pesticides are dangerous. Read and follow all instructions and safety precautions on labels. Carefully handle and store agrochemicals/pesticides in originally labeled containers immediately in a safe manner and place. Contact the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for current regulations.The user of this information assumes all risks for personal injury or property damage.Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Kirklyn M. Kerr, Director, Cooperative Extension System, The University of Connecticut, Storrs. The Connecticut Cooperative Extension System offers its programs to persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an equal opportunity employer.