Fire Blight on Chanticleer Pear: Aggressive Pruning and Blossom Sprays

Disease Overview

Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) blackens blossoms, shoots, and branches. Chanticleer pear is moderately resistant but not immune. Warm, wet springs favor outbreaks.

Management

• Prune out infections 8–12 inches below visible damage; disinfect tools (10% bleach) between cuts.
• Dormant spray: Copper sulfate or Bordeaux mix.
• Blossom sprays: 0.5% Bordeaux or copper fungicide every 4–5 days from first bloom until late bloom (5–12 apps).
• Avoid excess nitrogen and irrigation during bloom.
• Consider replacement with more resistant varieties (Bradford, Capitol, Red Spire) if blight recurs yearly.

Persistent blight may require switching species.