![]() Managing Fire Blight in Affected Fruit Trees ![]() *Learn more about the symptoms and life cycle of fire blight in this Fire Blight Fact Sheet via Cornell University. To avoid turning this into a science lecture*, let's move on to how to control fire blight. ![]() When the spring temperatures begin to climb between 60°-80☏, optimal conditions are created for spreading the disease and the bacteria is brought out of dormancy. Bees, insects, birds, splashing rain, and wind easily spread the bacteria and the resulting fire blight disease.įire blight commonly affects apple and pear trees (both fruit-bearing and ornamental types), but can also affect quince trees and other members of the Rosaceae family – even including some common rose varieties and raspberry plants. These areas may appear black, shrunken, and cracked. Blossoms will turn brown, wilt, and die about 1-2 weeks after infection occurs.įire blight may also exhibit an amber-colored ooze (which is heavy with bacteria) from the bark of the tree. What is Fire Blight?įire blight is a contagious, systemic, bacterial disease. Bacteria ( erwinia amylovora) attack the blossoms in early spring and then move up the twigs and branches through the tree's system. The name "fire blight" comes from the scorched appearance of the infected leaves, stems, and bark. Since the weather can stimulate certain bacterial diseases, I thought you backyard fruit gardeners might like some background on, and ideas on how to control, one of the most prevalent bacterial diseases affecting fruit trees (like apples, pears, and quince) – fire blight. Of course, these are ideal conditions for fungal and bacterial diseases to infect fruit trees, as well as other trees and shrubs. Hello, my fellow fruit-lovers! It has been very cool and wet here this past spring and summer. What is fire blight? Fire blight is a contagious, systemic, bacterial disease and is prevalent on apple and pear trees during cool, wet springs. ![]()
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