Fire blight, a bacterial infection, has hurt Missouri trees this spring, according to the University of Missouri. Susceptible breeds include ornamental pear trees, crab apples and apple orchards.
Symptoms of Fire Blight
- Dead, darkened branch tips and leaves
- Lesions on leaves in some cases.
- Fire blight cankers of can develop on limbs, twigs, and even trunks.
How to Fight Fire Blight
- Prune out out infected branch tips.
- Diagnose the problem early.
- Larger apple orchards can be treated with antibiotic spray, but homeowners can inadvertently promote bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
- In the future, try not to plant varieties that are susceptible.
- Consider using pesticides such as Streptomycin (a bactericide), but consult a professional first.
- Control certain insects, outlined in this Cornell University paper.
For fire blight control, tree health care and tree trimming contact Cartwright Tree Care in Missouri and Kansas. Online at www.cartwrighttree.com or call 816-965-6758.
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Image via University of Missouri