How to Rid Missouri Trees of Fire Blight

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.