Factsheet P04: Scab of apple & pear

Apple scab, Venturia inaequalis, is one of the most widespread diseases of apple trees. Pear scab, Venturia pirina is common on pears and is virtually identical in biology and control to apple scab. These fungal diseases occur wherever apples and pears are grown, but are most severe in areas with moist, temperate springs and summers; pear scab is more serious in Europe than in North America. Commercially, scab can cause almost total destruction of an economic crop, especially in susceptible cultivars. Hence, except for organic crops, nearly all commercial crops are sprayed with fungicides against the diseases.