@Sara_in_philly
I agree it is fireblight but before you break off the branches and I do mean break let me give some advice 1. Burn the infected areas in the barbecue grill. It’s a susceptible variety so break that tip off with your hand ASAP at least 6 inches to 1 foot below the strike and consider where it is infected ( likely the fireblight bacteria entered through the bloom a few weeks ago) . 2. Don’t use your pruners use your hand because if that bacteria transfers your spreading the disease. 3. Keep a close eye on your fruitlets because chances are the same pollinators visited many blooms with the Fireblight bacteria on them. That fireblight goes after growing tissue only so blooms and new tip growth are the biggest sources of infection right now. If you see new blooms especially on the trunk pluck them off ASAP. Some trees rebloom. Losing branches and fruit is no big deal long term but do not let it enter the trunk as it will kill your tree. We have all seen fireblight come and go with some years being worse than others. Copper is a bacteria inhibitor so when people say spray kocide they mean because it’s copper which inhibits bacteria prior to bloom next year. This year spraying copper will do little good because the fireblight was infecting those fruitlets and branch tips weeks ago. I’m just reiterating the good advice everyone else has already given you! Most infection occurs at 65 degrees / 65% humidity Pear tree Fireblight research so you dont have to - #38 by clarkinks. Next year just remember bees start flying at 50 degrees and they and other insects transfer the illness when pollinating. The branch tips may have been infected with FB by birds feet or insects eating an infected tree and then flying to yours.
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