Fire Blight
/FIRE BLITE/🦠 Diseases●● Intermediate
Also known as: Erwinia amylovora
A serious bacterial disease caused by Erwinia amylovora that affects members of the rose family (Rosaceae), particularly apples, pears, and ornamental crabapples. Infected blossoms, shoots, and branches appear scorched, as if burned by fire — turning brown or black while remaining attached to the tree. The bacterium is spread by rain, insects, and contaminated pruning tools. Infected branches should be pruned at least 12 inches below visible symptoms.
Etymology
Old English fȳr (fire) + Old English bliht (blight)
Example
“This pear tree has fire blight — see how the young shoots have curved over into a characteristic shepherd's crook shape.”