I have noticed a worrying looking place on my newly planted (bare roots planted about 8 weeks ago) Potomac pear (on OHxF87 if that makes a difference).
The tree leafed out pretty quick (within 1-2weeks) after planting on ground, but has been showing signs of stess in limited growth and quite a few somewhat curled leaves that I’m inclined to think may be transplant shock or possibly due to excess water due to a combination of slow draining clay combined with a particularly wet past 5 weeks.
However recently i have noticed the top of the scion where it was pruned for shipping at the nursery has begun turning a concerning array of shades and slowly moving further down the trunk (see picture).
Despite this tree not blooming since planting, I’m concerned that the discolored portion of the trunk may be fireblight as I have had to prune a few small strikes out of the nearby crabapple earlier this spring.
Considering the wet mild tempuratures we’ve been having lately I’m a little hesitant to want to open a new wound on a tree at this moment if it’s not called for lest it actually invite fireblight that may be lurking to take hold, but if this is actually fireblight I imagine the sooner I can remove the top of that whip the better in hopes of keeping the infection from spreading further.
Do any of the more experienced pear growers have insight / recommendations they would be willing to share please? Thanks in advance for your insights.
