[alexroyall85]

Afternoon All

i have a pear tree in the back garden and last year there was a black spot all over the leaves. All the fruit came and there was a lot but it dropped off earlier before they were ripe. I can only think that this was due to the black spot on the foliage. Any ideas on what it is and how to prevent it?

cheers

alex

[8doubles]

Could it have been 'June Drop'? Many fruit trees will lose excess fruit around June so as to not overburden their growing capabilities.
Perfectly natural but annoying if they drop too many !

[alexroyall85]

It did have about 200 on it and after they dropped i was left with 4

[8doubles]

I think the amount dropped will also be affected by growing conditions, if you have a couple of dry months more will fall than if the tree was well watered and fed.
I always thinned the fruit on my William tree hard when they were around 30-40 mm long allowing to lose more in june.
With my old and tired tree (with leaf spot) i was content with 3 dozen good sized pears.