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Tree Diseases & Pests

Fire Blight

Definition

Fire blight is a bacterial disease (Erwinia amylovora) that affects apples, pears, and related ornamentals. Infected shoots blacken and curl into a characteristic shepherd's crook shape, and the bacterium can rapidly spread through the tree.

In Central Texas

Fire blight is a recurring issue on ornamental pears, apples, and pyracantha across Central Texas, especially after warm wet springs.

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