New Guide to Organic Fire Blight Management

Fire blight is a challenging disease for all apple and pear growers, and even moreso for organic growers with a limited toolbox. Recent advances in organic fire blight control are described in the new eXtension publication “Organic fire blight management in the western U.S.“, written by faculty in Oregon, Washington and California who have been involved with the search for non-antibiotic alternatives. The research is on-going but has reached the point where some specific management suggestions are possible, and field experience by growers is generally positive. With the huge increase in organic apple acres expected in the next year or two, the ability to manage this disease is ever more critical.