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Fire Blight of Apple and Pear
Fire blight is destructive to apple and quince trees and is the most serious pear disease in the eastern United States. In recent years, significant losses to the apple industry have resulted due to this disease. Caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, the disease can attack some 75 species of plants of the rose family. Fire blight also occurs frequently on pyracantha, spirea, hawthorn, and mountain ash. In fruit trees, the disease can kill blossoms, fruit, shoots, limbs, and tree trunks. Certain varieties of apple are more susceptible than others. Susceptible varieties include Gala, Ginger Gold, Idared Jonathan, Rome Beauty, and Yellow Transparent.