April 22, 2025 – Fire blight is a serious bacterial disease affecting apples, pears, and ornamental trees like Bradford pears, prevalent in Texas landscapes. Caused by Erwinia amylovora, it can rapidly kill branches and entire trees if not managed properly.
Symptoms of Fire Blight
- Water-soaked flowers that quickly wilt and darken.
- Leaves turning brown or black, often curling and shriveling.
- Twigs wilting from the tip, forming a characteristic “shepherd’s hook.”
- Sunken, dark cankers on branches that can girdle and kill limbs.
- Amber-colored bacterial ooze may exude from infected areas.
These symptoms often appear during warm, humid conditions, especially in spring.
Management and Prevention
- Prune infected wood 8–12 inches below visible symptoms. Disinfect tools between cuts using a 10% bleach solution or 70% isopropyl alcohol to prevent spreading the bacteria.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization and overwatering, as lush, succulent growth is more susceptible to infection.
- Select resistant or tolerant varieties such as Kieffer, Orient, Garber, or Douglas pears.
For more detailed information, refer to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension publication on fire blight
Local Assistanc
For personalized guidance tailored to your area, contact your local AgriLife Extension office by calling 903-885-3443 or email [email protected]. If you need assistance identifying symptoms or selecting resistant tree varieties for your landscape, feel free to ask!
