New research contains solutions to common pear disease

Diseases caused by a species of fungus called Phytophthora syringae are responsible for significant economic losses on a wide range of plants, including pear. Recent field observations by growers suggest that increased nitrogen content in nursery trees resulting from foliar sprays with urea in the autumn increases tree susceptibility to infection. New research in this area investigates the specific form of nitrogen, delivery method, or timing of nitrogen applications.