Fire Blight Bad in 2016, Still a Threat in 2017

Fire blight damage to apple orchards was particularly bad in 2016.

WSU’s Tianna DuPont said there are several factors to blame.

“Temperature during bloom, moisture, a lot of inocula around from the previous year and many young trees being pushed hard.”

Very warm temperatures at bloom time in recent years made trees susceptible, particularly younger trees with so many new plantings going into the ground.

Right now, DuPont said it’s important to pay attention to winter pruning and get the cankers and diseased parts of the tree cleared. Going forward into the season…

“Thinking about late-dormant coppers plus oil, if you haven’t already, including the biologicals in your program, Kasumin as a new possible product and Actiguard.”

There are also several organic methods that include products like Blossom Protect and coppers that can help fight fire blight.

For more information, visit treefruit.wsu.edu.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail krounce@cherrycreekradio.com.