This is a disease of pears and other fruits commonly known as fire blight. The bacteria (Erwinia sp.) affect blossoms, leaves, twigs, and young fruit. Infected blossoms suddenly wilt and turn brown. Infected twigs and leaves turn dark brown to black and leaves remain attached most of the growing season. The bacteria overwinter at the base of blighted twigs or in cankers in larger limbs. The bacteria are spread by bees and splashing rains. To control the disease, prune out and burn infected twigs being sure to prune back well into healthy tissue (12 to 15 inches below the infected tissue). To avoid transferring the bacteria, dip pruning tools in a 10% bleach solution or rubbing alcohol between cuts. Rake and burn the infected leaves. When planting new trees, contact your local Cooperative Extension office for a list of resistant varieties.
For informationon on the selection and care of fruit trees, visit the eXtension website: Fruits.
