Fire Blight on Lemon Tree? Unlikely—Look for Other Causes

Can Citrus Get Fire Blight?

A lemon tree near a fire blight-infected pear shows blackened “shepherd’s crook” twig tips. Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) primarily affects rosaceous plants (apple, pear, crabapple). It is not known to infect citrus.

Alternative Diagnoses

• Citrus canker (bacterial, quarantined in FL)—raised, corky lesions with yellow halos.
• Sunburn on new growth—sudden exposure after pruning or defoliation.
• Insect damage (citrus leafminer, katydids)—distorted, blackened tips.

Recommendation

Monitor for lesions with yellow halos (canker) or mining trails (leafminer). If unsure, contact local extension. Removing the lemon may be unnecessary unless confirmed as a disease reservoir.