Young new Pear 'Beth' Tree with blackened, withering leaves and lesions

P.K.

We'd really appreciate some advice regarding our new (2-3 yr old, 6ft, St Julien rootstock) 'Beth' Pear trees. These were bought online and received on the 21st of April.

One of them is suffering badly with blackened and withered leaves and also has 3 lesions on the trunk, each 3-4inches long (see photos).

We repotted them on arrival as we knew it would be some time before we could plant them in their final positions and they have been in their containers ever since. The second tree is showing signs of the same condition.

We have two large mature apple trees in the garden, neither of which show any similar signs. I have a gloomy suspicion as to what it might be, but would REALLY appreciate some expert advice! Thanks in advance. (Photos will only load on their sides for some reason- apologies!) 

sussexhandymanplus

Hi, if you've only just bought these, I'd contact the nursery from whence they came. If they are any good, they should be able to offer advice as to what the problem is, whether it can be resolved & if not, what they are going to do to resolve the issue. These trees must have some sort of guarantee.

Dovefromabove

I agree ... contact the supplier, with photographs ... if they're any good they'll offer advice and/or replace them.

P.K.

Thanks very much both of you.
We decided to do exactly that not long after I posted this actually.... it being the Jubilee weekend though, it'll be midweek before we hear back I suspect! We were just worried in case it's something we need to act ASAP on.

Plashing

It could  be firer blight I had the same problem years ago and I lost mine due to the blight.

P.K.

Plashing said:

It could  be firer blight I had the same problem years ago and I lost mine due to the blight.

I'm worried it might be fire blight, but we are getting conflicting opinions on that... how sure are you that it could be if you don't mind me asking? Thanks in advance! 

Plashing

I have had a look on google and it looks very similar, to what I had and also it is a very difficult to get rid of, it can destroy orchard in a season, I know I could be  wrong but I would send a picture of it to a specialist fruit tree grower if you are not certain.

P.K.

Plashing said:

I have had a look on google and it looks very similar, to what I had and also it is a very difficult to get rid of, it can destroy orchard in a season, I know I could be  wrong but I would send a picture of it to a specialist fruit tree grower if you are not certain.

Yeah, we've scoured those images too and read every article we could find. Terrifying, but frustratingly inconclusive in that lots of photos like ours say it IS and lots say it ISN'T Fire blight! ARGH! Anyway, we have emailed a specialist gardener we know and more importantly the Nursery where we got them from. They're very reputable (hence why we chose them) so we're hoping they'll either confess to an outbreak there and advise us accordingly, or tell us if it IS something else. Thanks for your help!

Plashing

No problem

Dovefromabove

Let us know how you get on.
I hope, whatever the result, that it turns out ok for you and your garden. 🤞 

P.K.

Dovefromabove said:

Let us know how you get on.
I hope, whatever the result, that it turns out ok for you and your garden. 🤞 

Thanks, that's really kind! I will do