Recognise pear rust

2nd September 2020

Pear rust is a very visible fungal disease but the bright reddish spots on the upper leaf surface can develop quickly - on the underside of the leaf a gall-like swelling develops. Spores are airborne and will transfer from the alternate host, juniper. The best treatment is to reduce infection by removing the worst-affected leaves before the spores shed, and clear up fallen leaves.