fire blight treatment??

[macrocarpa]

I looked at a pear today with pretty bad fire blight. A foliar spray would freak everyone out so I'm looking into agri-fos trunk spray.

Any thoughts or experience?

Would it be good to do a treatment now and then in early spring too?

 

[rfwoodvt]

I see that it is labeled for use on Erwinia though I find it odd that a fungicide is used on a bacterium. That said, agri-fos is not a typical fungicide, just a heavy dose of phosphoric acid.

The key is to get it into the tree. If trunk spray works for then why not? Alternatively you could look at injectables. Those are not nearly as offensive to the watchful eyes of the neighbors.

 

[MikePoor]

If possible some eradication pruning. (IMHO I'm not big on chem treats of Erwinia)

 

[KyLimbwalker]

Pruning out the infected tips, ~ 6" from visible symptom, works well to control fire blight. Disinfect with bleach between each cut.

I think you will find more consistent success with this method, than spraying. IMO.

 

[TreeDoctor]

When widespread in a tree fireblight can be difficult if not impossible to control, best if stopped early. The bacteria is spread by two means, infected pollen during bloom and physical injury such as pruning during growing season.
Bacteria is not active in dormant season so this is best time to remove large infected limbs. When Summer pruning newly infected shoots use the "ugly stub" technique. Make a cut 6" to 10" below infection, cut stems should be sprayed with disinfectant too remove stub when dormant. Bleach solution is effective but corrodes tools and stains clothes I prefer lysol.Dipping tools is time consuming I use a felco lopper with built in spray nozzle and pressurized can to automatically apply between each cut. I attached a picture.Also avoid anything which stimulates a flush of new growth such as fertilizing or heavy pruning,new shoots are most susceptible. Good luck

 

[Frax]

Those of you managing fireblight infected trees...what is your success rate? Have you managed to eradicate it completely from a tree?

I have always believed, perhaps erroneously that once in a tree, the tree will USUALLY decline and eventually die. Having said that, trees can be managed for a long time with pruning if caught early. Of course by the time we see these trees it's hopeless in my opinion.

I'm not sure we have chemical treatments listed for use in Canada, but I'm not really up on my pesticides.

 

[macrocarpa]

I contacted several sources and they said "fall and spring treatment with agri-fos will get good results". The manufacturer said they did tests/studies at NC State U.

Do I believe it???

But the homeowner wants to try and I'm only charging $75/application trunk spray, so I guess we'll see. I would rather replace this particular tree but its her only shade next to her pool. This is my 1st time treating for it because its usually on trees not worth fussing with (junk plums and pears).

 

[TreeDoctor]

Agrimycin during bloom is another treatment to look into.