fuzzy fruit growing on bradford pear tree
"I live in Cabot, AR and my bradford pear tree has fire blight and the fruit balls on the tree are covered in a fuzzy film. When you touch the fruit balls they leave a rusty film on your hands. Is this caused from the fire blight or is it something else? What can I do to control the fire blight and the fuzzy film on the fruit balls?
Thank you,
Beth"
The fuzzy film you describe on the pears is another symptom caused by the fireblight bacterial disease. Prune out the infected branches, cutting at least 6-12 inches back into the healthy branch. Wipe your pruning shears thoroughly with rubbing alcohol after each cut to disinfect them. Next spring before the leaves emerge, spray the branches until drippy with lime-sulfur.
