Prévention et Solutions Commerciales

Fire blight, caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora , is one of the most feared diseases of pear and other pome fruit trees. Highly contagious, it can cause major losses in orchards, both in terms of yield and quality. Although controlling this disease requires a rigorous approach, effective solutions exist. This article reviews the symptoms, modes of spread, and control methods, before presenting a tailored offer for affected producers.


Symptoms of Fire Bacteria

Flowers and shoots

  • Sudden Wilting: Infected flowers turn brown, then dry up, looking as if they have been burned by fire.
  • Blackened young shoots: These quickly die back and fall prematurely.

Branches and twigs

  • Crooked bend: The ends of affected branches curve in a characteristic manner.
  • Necrotic cankers: Dark areas appear on the bark, indicating advanced infection. These cankers sometimes release a slimy substance during wet weather.

Fruits

  • Visible deformations: Infected fruits show cracks and anomalies making them impossible to sell.
  • Bacterial exudate: A sticky secretion often oozes from chancres, signaling an active infection.

Spread of Fire Blight

Means of transmission

  • Wind and rain: Splashes and air currents facilitate the spread of bacteria between trees.
  • Insect vectors: Aphids and psyllids contribute significantly to the spread of infection.
  • Contaminated tools: Undisinfected pruning shears are important vectors.

Favorable factors

  • Climatic conditions: The bacteria proliferates in warm and humid conditions, especially during flowering.
  • Presence of nearby host plants: Certain wild species, such as hawthorns, can host the bacteria.

Prevention of Fire Blight

  • Removal of infected parts:
    • Curative pruning: Cut back affected branches by pruning at least 50 to 100 cm below the visible areas of infection.
    • Immediate destruction: Burn or bury residue deeply to prevent further spread.
  • Tool Hygiene: Clean tools with alcohol or bleach solution after each treated tree.
  • Reducing potential hosts:
    • Removing nearby plants: Remove nearby sensitive species, such as firethorn or hawthorn bushes.
  • Insect Management: Control aphid and psyllid populations using appropriate biological or chemical treatments.
  • Tree protection: Limit work that could damage trees and protect them from frost.

Biological Treatments

  • Use of antagonistic bacteria: Products based on Pseudomonas fluorescens or Bacillus subtilis to slow the growth of Erwinia amylovora .
  • Natural stimulation of the defenses:
    • Natural biostimulants: Extracts of horsetail and seaweed to strengthen the defenses of pear trees.
    • Removing Late Blooms: Remove blooms that open after the main bloom.

Conventional Treatments

  • Application of copper salts: Use of Bordeaux mixture as a preventative measure.
  • Chemical control: Products such as fosetyl aluminum to reduce bacterial growth.
  • Treatment schedule: Recommended interventions before flowering.

Choice of Varieties and Rootstocks

  • Tolerant varieties: Consult professionals to choose resistant varieties.
  • Resistant rootstocks: Franc Kirchensaller is recommended for its robustness.

Economic Impact and Integrated Management

  • Impact on orchards:
    • Reduced Yield: Flowers drop prematurely, reducing production.
    • Fruit quality: Deformed or cracked fruits are not marketable.
  • Integrated management approach: Combine prophylaxis, biological control and chemical treatments.

Business Solutions: Arboriverse Support

At Arboriverse, we understand how devastating a loss due to fire blight can be to your business. As a specialized wholesale supplier of fruit plants, we offer tailored solutions to revitalize your orchards after an infestation.

Why collaborate with Arboriverse?

  • Professional quality fruit plants
  • Competitive prices direct from producers
  • Fast and reliable delivery

Our flagship products

  • Resistant varieties
  • Certified and grafted plants
  • Robust rootstocks

Personalized services

  • Technical support
  • Quote within 48 hours

FAQ

  • What are the first symptoms of fire blight? Brown flowers, crooked branches, cankers.
  • How does fire blight spread? Wind, rain, insect vectors, contaminated tools.
  • Are biological treatments effective? Yes, but limited in advanced cases.
  • Can a severely infected tree be saved? Felling is often necessary.
  • Does Arboriverse offer fire blight-resistant plants? Yes, we offer suitable plants.
  • How to replant after an infestation? Prepare the soil and choose robust rootstocks.

Revive Your Orchards with Arboriverse: Contact us to obtain professional-quality plants adapted to your needs.