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Master Gardener Decision Support Guide

Trees

Bradford Pear
Leaves/Stems


Fireblight is a bacterial disease. It is transmited by honeybees and other pollinators in the spring. It is favored by temperatures around 70 degrees F. The best control is to prune out the dying branches several inches below the visible signs of death. Sterilize your pruning shears between each cut by dipping in a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water or with some other disinfectant.

Bradford pear is generally regarded as resistant to fireblight. However, resistance is not the same as immunity; and in some seasons Bradfords can be affected. In areas where Bradfords have been planted extensively, a good fireblight season may have significant impacts on entire communities.
For more information
Plant Pathology Note FD03

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Designed by Al Cooke November 3, 1999 on .
Contents modified on December 17, 1999 .
Last checked on Friday, August 16, 2002