I'm seeing this in Phoenix, just south of you (for the geographically inclined), on my new bareroots on OHxF333, both in pots and in the ground. The ones in the ground are doing a lot worse, which suggests that it's likely a salt and pH issue, since the pots are flushed weekly. I have an older Asian Pear on Betulaefolia and it's acting normally -- even thriving.

Let us know if you hear otherwise.

Pear leaves always start out somewhat wrinkled so its hard to tell what you are seeing that is different without a picture. Pear leaf blister mite causes leaf distortion but it also colors them red in spots so you probably don't have that. My guess would be your leaves will be fine when they are all sized up, but thats just a guess.

Scott

I think the real problem is likely wind damage. I see signs of it all over my plums today.

Its been pretty unseasonably warm during the day and rather cold still during our nights. In combination with a rash of bad winds recently and our very hard water, I think wind and salt damage on top of dessication are the likely culprits.

"The leaves are just opening and they are curled up, wrinkled and distorted. Small amout of black just on the very edge of some leaves."

That sure sounds like pear blister mite to me. I partially agree with Scott. Many times the leaves damaged by blister mite are partially red or have red spots, but not always. Sometimes the leaves are crinkled with black edges as you describe. Depending on the stage, sometimes the leaves just look crinkled.

In the Midwest, blister mite is one of the most common minor pests on pears in home orchards. It didn't show up on my trees for several years. An oil spray at, or slightly before green tip completely takes care of it for me.

ABJJ,

We get tons of wind here in KS and I've never seen wind damage on pears. I don't know much about salt damage, but it would seem strange to me for it to show up all the sudden.

How do I post a picture I am sure that would help?
Thanks CampV

You need to get an account on photobucket or some free photo hosting site and then paste the link/url here.

This is what I'm seeing on my bareroots. Is this similar?

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:75644}}

Here's another shot of a Spaulding Pear. It was just sprayed with malathion.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:75646}}

AJBB,

Your photo wasn't what I was thinking of regarding blister mite damage. (Looks like you've got a good helper there in the background though.)

Below is a internet pic of blister mite damage. When I used to get it, mine looked more like this photo (except maybe the leaves were a little more crinkled).

{{gwi:75650}}

Thanks everyone for your input. Thanks AJBB
The first picture of pear leaf curl is about right. The small dark green leaf at the very bottom on the right hand side that has a small up turn on the tip looks the same. I sprayed with malathion. I swear mine are so cupped they could hold water. What is causing this?