How To Eliminate Rust On A Pear Tree
As anyone who has pear trees in their yard knows, these trees make marvelous ornamentals that add to your property's aesthetic value. Pear trees also produce tasty fruit as long as the tree is properly maintained and devoid of any disease. One common affliction of pear trees is rust, which is produced by fungi. There are many different species of fungus that cause rust, which can in turn harm your fruit trees. As a result, harvest yields are smaller and the amount of sugar inside the fruit is lessened. Also, leaf loss and defoliation will occur, which will cause your pear tree to survive by using food reserves. This inadequate food supply will prevent proper bud development and result in premature blossoming.
What You Will Need
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Pruners
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Pruning saw
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Fungicide
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Loppers
Step 1. Examine the tree's leaves for orange looking spots starting in May. The summer months are the prime time for accelerated fungi spore growth. These spores can grow to as much as one centimeter in width. In June, black spots will develop and then (by August) the trees leaves will be thick with spores. Make certain to always inspect underneath the tree's leaves as well. Also, if your observe jelly-like, orange-colored swellings on your tree, this is an additional indication that your pear tree has developed rust.
Step 2. Inspect all pear and juniper trees in the nearby area. Both types of trees are very susceptible to trellis rust. Wind-dispersed fungal spores are capable of traveling long distances. Therefore, it's very important to not only treat the pear trees you've cultivated on your property, but also any infected trees in the nearby area.
Step 3. Use a spray fungicide on pear trees. While fungicides typically are not extremely successful at treating rust, it can sometimes be effective if sprayed on rust early enough. Don't neglect the bottom of the leaves when spraying. It's important to repeat this process in two weeks.
Step 4. Use a pruning saw, loppers, or sharp pruners to cut off diseased branches. Create a solution of 30% water to 70% denatured alcohol and dip your pruning tool it to it to prevent spreading fungal spores. When removing a branch, use a 45 downward angle close to the collar of the branch. However, when trimming only portions of a branch, cut until you reach a healthy bud.
Step 5. Make sure to remove any type of debris from underneath the tree, such as branches, leaves, and fruit. Either burn the debris or put the debris you've gathered in a bag for disposal. Allowing any diseased part of the tree to remain will make it possible for the fungus to continue to infect your pear tree. For more information, contact a professional like Woodland Landscaping & Concrete LLC.