Pear Trellis Rust

Pear trellis rust affects pear and related hosts, with juniper serving as an alternate host in the ecosystem. Carefully examine plants before adding them to your landscape to prevent introducing disease. Remove infected branches to limit spread. Monitor for symptoms during spring when weather favors infection. Improve air circulation through selective pruning. This rust disease spreads readily in moist spring and fall conditions common to Western Washington. Watch foliage closely for early symptoms.

Rust fungi often need two different host plants to complete their life cycle, so identifying and managing the alternate host can break the cycle. Remove heavily infected leaves and dispose of them away from the garden. Improve air circulation to speed leaf drying after rain. Fungicide applications are most effective as preventive treatments before symptoms appear; once pustules are visible, the current infection cycle is already underway.