Storage Rots

You'll find blue mold, gray mold, bull's-eye rot, and other fungal decays on stored pears developing over weeks to months. Blue and gray mold account for majority of postharvest losses. Delays in cooling fruit increase risk. Cool rapidly, maintain low storage temperatures, and avoid high nitrogen in the orchard. Blue mold resistance to fungicides is increasing, making sanitation critical.

Reduce moisture around affected tissue by improving drainage and air circulation. Remove rotted material cleanly and dispose of it away from the planting area. Avoid wounding healthy tissue during cleanup, as fresh wounds create new entry points. If the problem keeps returning, evaluate whether the site is too wet or poorly drained for the species you are growing.