Apple and pear scab

Apple and pear scab is most prevalent in mild, damp seasons.

The fungus overwinters on fallen leaves in the form of spores, which can be splashed by rain or carried in the wind to infect newly emerged shoots in spring. Overwintering can also occur on infected stems and branches. The most serious consequence of scab is reduced vigour of the trees caused by early leaf fall. This may limit the crop of fruit. The disease also causes scabs on the skins of fruit, although they are still edible.

A preventative measure would be to use resistant varieties. Try desert apples such as 'Ashmead's Kernel', 'Discovery', 'Egremont Russet' and cookers such as 'Lord Derby' and 'Reverend W. Wilks'. For scab resistant pears try 'Beurre Hardy' and also 'Joséphine de Malines'.