Abstract:
The relationship between climatic conditions and infection risks in blossom period of fire blight disease on pears was evaluated using Billing's revised system (BRS) in the east Mediterranean region in 1990–1998.
Maximum temperatures and rainfall were recorded at regional meteorology station 2–5 km away from orchards.
Tree phenology and presence of the disease were monitored by 1–7 days intervals.
The severe disease incidence was observed in blossom period when maximum temperatures were ≥24°C, even if days with rain ≥2.5 mm were rare.
In 1995 and 1998, spray programs based on BRS and phenology were found effective as 63 %–83.8 % and 72.9 %–80.76 % respectively.
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