Can't remember seeing quite so much blossom on my little tree! :)
(http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/7646/peartreeto9.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
It's Doyenne du Comice - large, delicious and very juicy fruit - but not a reliable cropper and very prone to some kind of scab. No doubt I've left it too late to do anything about it this year but, if the pears are scabby again, is there anything I can do about it for next year, please? Thank you.
Apple & pear scab is spread by rain-splash and wind throughout the tree and on to neighbouring trees.
The fungus overwinters in the fallen leaves. In the spring spores are released into the atmosphere and carried by wind into the trees.
I personally use non chemical control but thought I would list both reccommended ways of treating it & you can decide which approach best suits your gardening methods.
Non-chemical control
Prune out infected shoots during the winter. Rake up and burn fallen leaves to reduce the carry-over of the disease from one season to the next.
Chemical control
Spray at regular intervals during the growing season with mancozeb (Bio Dithane 945), or myclobutanil (Bio Systhane Fungus Fighter). The number of applications depends on the severity of attack - in some seasons it is necessary to continue spraying until late July.
Sound advice but I'll stick with the first option. I have a Concorde and a Conference just thinking of coming into flower. Pear Midge now that's a real problem!
:-\
Mine is a Conference I think and right now smothered with blossom....I,ve been having a bit of wicked fun ,getting everyone to smell it ! Have you smelt it ? Rohaise ;D
On pear trees-if this lack of rain continues then give them a huge drink.