I was out checking the orchard after the last few days of rain and fog and saw what might be the early stages of fire blight on a Winter Banana apple. This tree is in it’s 3rd year since being grafted, and still somewhat small. The buds on these branches are just breaking, leaves are somewhat small, still < 0.5in long. On a couple of the tree branches I noticed the new leaves yellowing and browning on the edges, and the new growth was curving into a “shepard’s hook”. These shoots were not dead yet, but if they turned brown/black it would be classic fire blight signs.
Seems a bit early for FB here, it’s been wet for a couple of weeks but cool, generally <60F. And even the warm days before the rain were <70F. Not ideal FB weather. No open blossoms yet in the orchard.
I’m just wondering whether to act preemptively and cut these suspect areas out. Or if there are other things which can cause this. Thoughts?
A picture would help. However, every time I’ve wondered “Is that fireblight?” when dealing with my own trees, the answer has always been yes. A few internet sources say Winter Banana is susceptible.
Thanks all. The more I thought about last night the more I thought best to act on the side of caution and remove it. Since there is a sunny spell this AM, I will take the suspects out and spray again with some copper. But I will take and post a pic, just to learn.
That sure looks like fireblight. My current strategy is to go about 6 inches below the dying part, and then go about 6 inches more, and then go a couple of inches more, and then prune. For me the infection is often far below the visible symptoms. I’m taught this same lesson every year, maybe this year I’ll actually learn it.
