pear tree

[bentaxle]

My tree is now coming out in blossom and there seems to be little redish warts coming out on the leaves and I'm not sure if it needs spraying with something now or later as not all of the leaves have unfurled

ps
Could you advise me please on what it could be and the spray to use
all the best

[Clanad]

Sounds suspiciously like Pear Leaf Blister Mites. We see the same thing here in the U.S. The red spots you describe probably began as green ones then change to red and eventually to brownish.

Since you say the tree has blossomed already, the suggested use of a dormant oil won't work since that needs applying before the leaves begin budding. I prefer an insectcidal soap... the brand of preference here in the U.S. is Safer's Insceticidal Soap... The soap type controls are safe to use with consumable crops such as pears since it kills the mites by "clogging" them up with soap bubbles. If the infection is very far along (seeing it in the majority of leaves) it's probably best to use an insecticidal chemical. Check with your local garden store for a recommendation, since our laws and uses probably differ.
There are probably still mites on the tree...but they are nearly microsopic in size.

Some of our crop care experts recommend just picking the infected leafves off. But, usually, there are too many by the time the problem is discovered. Most of these experts say they won't affect the tree or fruit, but it's been my experience the mites will only grow larger colonies if not controlled...
Best of luck!

[bentaxle]

Thank you clanad for your info ,I believe we have something like an insecticidal soap over here GB so i'll look into it ,and at least i've got a name to look up for the bugs
Thanks again
alan

[terambulan]

Dont spray tree as this wont affect the fruit. The mites/midges will hatch and fly off - they're only nesting.