Apple tree fire blight how to#

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.

Apple tree fire blight how to#

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.