Don’t Neglect Overwintering Fire Blight Cankers
June 22, 2015 Canker blight has been seen in Pennsylvania orchards, thanks to ideal weather conditions as of late.
Kari Peter of Penn State University Extension says if you are experiencing canker blight symptoms in your trees, it is the likely result of overwintering fire blight cankers.
“Canker blight develops due to renewed activity by the bacteria at the margins of overwintering cankers from the previous season and occurs regularly every year where the disease is established. In other words, if cankers are left in your trees, you can count on canker blight,” she writes.
Growers who experienced blossom blight are now also experiencing shoot blight. Shoot blight can also be the result of wounds on growing shoot tips, thanks to leafhoppers.
Peter recommends pruning blighted areas and insect management.
For more canker and shoot blight management tips, click here.
Source: Penn State University Extension bulletin
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