Fire blight

How to treat?

• Biological

  • If possible remove and destroy the infected parts of the plant. Remove an additional 60 cm of healthy tissue surrounding the damage and burn it.

  • If the infection is widespread, remove and destroy the infected plant. Burn it or toss it into the garbage. Do not compost.

• Chemical

  • If necessary, apply copper spray as a bactericide. It will reduce the spreading of bacteria.

  • If necessary, apply bactericide containing streptomycin (GHS08: Health hazard). It will reduce the spreading of bacteria.

• Disease prevention

  • Keep the moisture low, avoid prolonged wetting of the leaves (e.g. by overhead irrigation) and ensure good soil drainage.

  • Use resistant species and cultivars as well as healthy, certified seeds and seedlings.

  • Disinfect tools, infected flower pots, and hands to avoid disease transmission.

  • Avoid excess nitrogen fertilization. It would promote rapid growth and make the plant more susceptible to infection.