ISHS Acta Horticulturae 256: V International Symposium on Pear Growing
IMPORTANT CONTROL MEASURES TO PREVENT OR REDUCE FIRE BLIGHT DAMAGE IN NEW LOCATIONS. |
| Author: | T. van der Zwet |
| Abstract:
Fire blight of apple,pear, and rosaceous ornamentals, caused by Erwinia amylovora, has a complex disease cycle, including numerous host plants on which it can persist and be disseminated. Since these plants are prevalent throughout Europe and are visited by various birds and insects, they may be a significant factor in the spread of the disease. Establishment of a blight risk assessment system, based on meteorological data, should indicate what regions are most vulnerable to fire blight. An effective plant quarantine system at all major entries to a country or region should prevent or delay, introduction of infested plant material. Determination of the presence of the epiphytic stage of the bacterium on host plants would indicate that the pathogen is in the country even though symptoms have not yet been observed. Sound cultural practices, including cultivar resistance, control of orchard insects, judicious fertilization and irrigation, and thorough orchard sanitation, including removal of tree suckers and root sprouts, are effective in minimizing fire blight damage. Applications of chemical sprays at the most critical periods just prior and during bloom may protect the trees. The recent long distance spread of E. amylovora in the eastern Mediterranean area is indicative that the above control measures will become part of future pear production technology in Europe. | |
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