While the so-called downy mildew is generally favored by periods of bad weather and a climate that is too humid, powdery mildew can spread better in heat and drought. Unfortunately, pear trees are quite susceptible to powdery mildew, but there are also ways to prevent and combat it.

The pear is often attacked by powdery mildew

Effects of powdery mildew on the service pear

Powdery mildew is a fungal infestation that appears as a white to ash-grey coating on the upper side of the leaves, flowers and fruits of the service pear. The plants can certainly cope with an annual infestation, but the following negative effects can occur depending on the infestation pressure:

  • Poorer growth of the service pear
  • stunted flowers
  • dried, falling leaves

Possibilities of combating powdery mildew through targeted care

Many hobby gardeners find the fight against powdery mildew very tedious and choose planting in the garden based on the respective susceptibility or resistance of the plants. If the first signs of powdery mildew appear on a pear tree, the following measures can be taken:

  • Cut out smaller infested areas in a targeted manner
  • Dispose of cuttings and autumn leaves or burn them if necessary
  • fight the mildew infestation with sulfur-based antidotes
  • spray the leaves regularly with biological agents
  • Water the pear sufficiently in dry weather

tips

Field horsetail decoction or a mixture of 10% raw milk and 90% water can be used as a biological spray against mildew infestation or as a preventive measure. The leaves should be wetted with this about every 7 to 10 days, and the treatment should be repeated after each rain.

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Trees