FIREBLIGHT

Fireblight is a destructive bacterial disease of pome fruit trees and related plants caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora. The infection typically originates in the flowers. 

Foliar treatments paired with pruning of infected tissue, can prevent the spread and minimize this disease's impact. Timing of treatments is critical in efficacy & must be done while the tree is in full bloom. If left untreated, the tree will likely succumb to the disease. 

It is most commonly spread through pollinators, such as bees, as well as pruning tools. Wind and rain are also known to spread the disease. 

The disease can include leaf wilt, giving the tree a scorched appearance. Hence the name. The disease can also cause dieback & oozing cankers. 

Pear (Pyrus sp.), Quince (Cydonia sp.), Apple & Crabapple (Malus sp.) are the most susceptible hosts. 

Keep the tree healthy with preventative treatment and maintenance. A healthy tree is typically able to fight off infections. Any infected tissue should pruned & either burned or buried. Pruning is best done during dormancy. Disinfect all pruning tools between cuts using a 10% bleach solution (1 part household bleach to 9 parts water) or 70% alcohol. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilization, which results in excess succulent growth which is easily infected. Remove all suckers coming up from the base of the trees, as these are more susceptible to fire blight infection, which can then move rapidly into the trunk.