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If this has been answered, I couldn’t find it. I have a kieffer pear tree. Last year I used Tater’s method to make and age some brandy/whiskey that is now delicious. This season my tree developed a bad case of pear rust which I treated successfully with neem oil. A couple months later now I have another decent crop about ready to harvest. Question is will the rust or neem oil have any effect and do I need to take any additional steps to clean the fruit. Neem oil instructions says it is safe for use on certain crops including stone fruit, but says nothing about safety 8 weeks post-application (or about freezing then fermenting!).

If anyone has experience with this - I would appreciate the advice.

I don't think there's a safety issue. Neem oil must be reapplied much sooner than 8 weeks for ongoing infection and is supposed to be safe on food crops much sooner - I have used it. The question will be taste and smell. I doubt it will still be hanging around two months after application - but I just do not know.

Thanks. I was thinking since its a natural oil and it has been washed off with rain for last couple months that it should be undetectable. I’ll give them a good rinse anyway. Just didn’t want to waste the effort if folks said the rust fungus or the oil somehow affected the fruit fermentation. Thanks again.

We have Neem trees on the ranch,I've noticed it is quite bitter. I would peel some pears and soak the peels for a few days and taste it. I would worry more about the taste than the harm to your body.
Tōtō