Plum Tree Sudden Decline in Drought: Fire Blight or Borers?

Three-year-old plum in South Texas drought: leaves wilted, browned, tree nearly bare. Trunk has small split.

Likely Fire Blight

Bacterial disease (rose family). Leaves look “sad,” then wilt/brown as if burned. Ferti-Lome fire blight spray is preventive, not curative. Clean up dead leaves, spray, hope for recovery next year.

Alternative: Borers

Check for holes/sawdust. If no regrowth in a month, remove tree. Replant with resistant variety and preventive spray.