Cleveland Pear Fire Blight: Prune, Sanitize, Streptomycin

2-yr Cleveland pears: one suddenly has brown leaves, blackened limbs (like lightning). Fire blight.

Fire Blight (Erwinia amylovora)

• Blackened, hooked branch tips (“shepherd’s crook”).
• Sunken cankers, ooze in wet weather.
• Spreads fast in rain/humidity >60°F.

Management

1. Prune 12–18″ below visible infection. Disinfect tools (10% bleach) between cuts.
2. Avoid excess nitrogen (succulent growth = susceptible).
3. Streptomycin spray at bloom: first at open blossom, repeat 4–7 days while blooming.
4. Sanitation: remove mummies, fallen debris.

Bottom Line

Fire blight confirmed. Prune hard, disinfect, streptomycin at bloom, no high N. Act fast.