Help. We have fire blight. First it hit one of our new filbert trees, then a blue berry bush that we hadn't even gotten planted yet, then it was everywhere, the rose bush?, the peonies, walnut tree - everywhere.

It was unbelieveable. One morning I saw a few small dry brown spots on some leaves, by afternoon whole branches were totally dry and dead. No time to react. It happens so fast.

We have 7 acres of pears. I don't want this to spread. Any ideas. Preferably organic?

Thanks.

www.geocities.com/shilohschild

-- Shiloh's Child (shilohschild@christianemail.com), June 16, 2001

Answers

My first thought is are you sure its fire blight? Spreading this fast and on roses and peonies which around here dont have problems with it [ calif]i am thinkink some type of chemical burn? Trim out infected parts and dip clippers in bleach solution between each cut.

-- kathy h (ckhart55@earthlink.net), June 17, 2001.

Fire Blight is a difficult disease to control. All you can do organically is to cut out the dead branches about 6 " beyond the darkened area. Take all the branches away from the area and dispose of them by burning if your township allows it.

-- Paul Marohn (treewizard@buffalo.com), June 23, 2001.