I was the one with a previous question about grafting.

Upon recommendation, I went out to inspect the Bartlett Pear roots just below the gound, and the general health of the stump overall. It would appear that their is a blue/green fungus(?) growing on the inside of the stump, and around some of the roots beginning about 6" under, and getting worse with depth. I'm guessing the stump is unusable without risk of infection. Anyone with ideas to the other side?

Thanks for all the previous advice as well. :-)

Marty

-- Marty (Mrs.Puck@excite.com), December 09, 2000

Answers

I think you're out of luck then. Contact your county agent about finding out what this is that caused it and if it is infectious to your other trees while they have a chance. Might want to consider other cultivars (or species) that are resistant to whatever it is.

-- Julie Froelich (firefly1@nnex.net), December 10, 2000.

I'd say Julie's on the mark.Bartlett pear are suceptible to fireblight and that is a problem for us. It sounds like the tree had problems already,and it toppled bc of poor condition,and not just happenstance.Could also be a poor site.

Fungus are usually secondary invaders, coming in after the tree has been weakened badly by something else,tho not always the case. Ask the Extension Hort person to tell you more abt pears in your area.

-- sharon wt (wildflower@ekyol.com), December 10, 2000.