Brown-blotch (_Leptothyrium pomi_ (Mont. & Fr.) Sacc. var.) is another
fungus which is sometimes troublesome. The fungus causes reddish
blotches on the fruit which coalesce into rusty-brown patches often
covering the whole surface of the pear. Here, again, the Kieffer
suffers most although fruits of other varieties are often disfigured by
the blotch. The disease is most common on heavy soils and in densely
shaded trees. Pruning to let in the sun is usually sufficient to keep
the fungus in check, but a late application of lime and sulphur is
often necessary.
Black mold (_Fumago vagans_ Fr.), a fungus which grows in the honey-dew
exuded by the nymphs of the pear-psylla, sometimes causes a sooty
covering of the pears which spoils their sale. Twigs and leaves are
also covered with thin superficial growth of the fungus somewhat to the
detriment of growth. The remedy is obvious--control the psylla.
Pink-rot (_Cephalothecium roseum_ Cda.) sometimes does much damage to
pears in common or cold storage. The fungus seems able to enter the
skin of pears only through injuries, and when reasonable care is used
in handling the fruit the rot does little damage. Not infrequently it
is found on fruits unpicked, having entered the skin through ruptures
made by pear-scab, black-spot, or other fungi. This, of course, seldom
happens in well-sprayed orchards.
INSECTS ATTACKING THE PEAR
Several insect pests are very destructive to pear-trees, as many more
are often troublesome, while perhaps in addition to the dozen that must
always or occasionally be combatted some thirty or forty more have
been listed as pear-pests. Young pear-trees are very susceptible to
injuries of any kind and if beset by any of the common insect pests do
not prosper. As the trees come to maturity, life and vigor of the tree
may not be endangered by any but two or three of the worst pests, but
the crop is always cut short by infestations of insects on any part of
the plant which interferes with the normal life of the tree. The pests
most destructive to the pear in New York, about in order of importance,
are San Jose scale, psylla, codling-moth, pear-slug, and pear-leaf
blister-mite.
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