Overview
A bacterial disease that primarily affects members of the rose family, including apple and pear trees. It can destroy entire orchards in a single season. Bacteria spread rapidly during warm, wet spring weather through blossoms and wounds.
- Type
- Disease
- Severity
- HIGH
- Source
- USFS
Symptoms
Blackened, shriveled blossoms and shoot tips that curve into a shepherd's crook shape, bacterial ooze droplets on infected tissue, reddish-brown water-soaked bark, rapid dieback of branches
Affected Species
Geographic Spread
Treatments
Pruning Infected Branches
Cut infected branches at least 12 inches below visible symptoms during dry weather. Sterilize pruning tools between cuts with 10% bleach or 70% alcohol solution.
Streptomycin or Copper Spray
Antibiotic (streptomycin) or copper-based bactericide sprayed during bloom to prevent blossom infections. Timing based on disease prediction models like MaryBlyt or Cougarblight.
Resistant Cultivar Selection
Planting fire blight resistant apple and pear cultivars. Resistance levels vary, and even resistant varieties may be infected under severe disease pressure.
Recommended Products & Tools
Helpful supplies for managing Fire Blight. Always read and follow label directions, and confirm a diagnosis before treating.
Protectant spray for many bacterial and fungal diseases.
For the rare case sealing is advised (e.g., oaks in oak-wilt season).
Sharp, clean cuts to remove affected wood — a tree-care essential.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fire Blight?
A bacterial disease that primarily affects members of the rose family, including apple and pear trees. It can destroy entire orchards in a single season. Bacteria spread rapidly during warm, wet spring weather through blossoms and wounds.
What are the symptoms of Fire Blight?
Blackened, shriveled blossoms and shoot tips that curve into a shepherd's crook shape, bacterial ooze droplets on infected tissue, reddish-brown water-soaked bark, rapid dieback of branches
Where is Fire Blight currently found?
Fire Blight is currently active in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia. It has been reported in 32 total states across the United States.
What plants are affected by Fire Blight?
Fire Blight affects Eastern Redbud, Apple, Pear. Susceptibility varies by species.
How do I treat Fire Blight?
Treatment options for Fire Blight include: Pruning Infected Branches, Streptomycin or Copper Spray, Resistant Cultivar Selection. Treatment approaches may include chemical, biological, cultural, and mechanical methods depending on the severity and context.
Compare with Similar Ailments
Not sure if it's Fire Blight? Compare it side-by-side with similar ailments.