Fire blight
Erwinia amylovora
What is Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora)?
Fire blight is a severe bacterial disease that impacts a range of plants, including almonds, cherries, raspberries, apples, pears, and others from the Rosaceae family. It is caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora. This gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium is found worldwide, but it poses significant challenges in temperate regions with warm and humid conditions. Fire blight is characterized by wilting, blackening, and "burning" of branches, blossoms, and fruits, giving affected plants a scorched or fire-damaged appearance.
How does Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) occur?
Erwinia amylovora reproduces through a process called bacterial multiplication. The bacteria can enter plants through natural openings like flowers or wounds in the bark. Once inside the plant tissues, they multiply rapidly, spreading through the vascular system and causing infection. The bacteria produce toxins that contribute to the characteristic symptoms of fire blight. They can also be carried by insects, rain, or contaminated pruning tools, allowing them to infect new plants and continue spreading the disease.
Symptoms
1 - Effects on Plant
Fire blight inflicts significant damage on plants, causing wilting, blackening, and burning of branches, blossoms, and fruits. This results in reduced crop yields, stunted growth, and potential plant death, impacting agricultural productivity and plant health.
3 - Environmental Consequences
Fire blight can disrupt ecosystems and agricultural systems, leading to economic losses and impacting the livelihoods of farmers.
Solutions
1 - Cultural Practices
• Avoid excessive succulent growth by not overfertilizing with nitrogen. • Remove blighted blossoms and twigs promptly, pruning at least 8-12 inches below the infection. • Prune during the dormant season, removing cankers and blighted tissue. • Sanitize pruning tools between cuts with a 10% bleach solution. • Eradicate host plants like pyracantha and hawthorn near the orchard. • Manage irrigation to reduce humidity and prevent water from wetting foliage. • Plant less susceptible varieties if fire blight is a common problem.
4 - Biological Control
Consider using beneficial microorganisms or antagonistic bacteria that can help suppress the growth of Erwinia amylovora. Consult with agricultural experts for suitable options.
6 - Antibiotics and Bactericides
• Agricultural antibiotics like streptomycin and oxytetracycline can be used as preventive sprays during bloom. • Apply copper-based sprays during the early flowering stage to reduce bacterial growth. • However, their use should be limited to areas without known antibiotic-resistant strains.
Susceptible Species
Strawberry Tree
Common Paw Paw
Akane Apple
Ambrosia Apple
Belle de Boskoop Apple
Braeburn Apple
Candied Apple Flowering Crab
Chehalis Apple
Cortland Apple
Cox's Orange Pippin Apple
Dolgo Apple
Donald Wyman Flowering Crab
Elstar Apple
Gala Apple
Golden Delicious Apple
Golden Russet Apple
Granny Smith Apple
Gravenstein Apple
Honeycrisp Apple
Jonagold Apple
Jonathan Apple
Liberty Apple
Lodi Apple
Louisa Flowering Crab
Macintosh Apple
Melrose Apple
Norland Apple
Pink Lady Apple
Red Delicious Apple
Red Jewel Flowering Crab
Scarlet Pippin Apple
Sentinel Flowering Crab
Snowdrift Flowering Crab
Spartan Apple
Summerland Apple
Wealthy Apple
Yellow Transparent Apple
Zestar Apple
pineapple guava
apple serviceberry
apple serviceberry
pineapple
pineapple
variegated pineapple
pearly everlasting
pearly everlasting
custard apple
strawberry tree
king's spear
star apple
pineapple broom
pricklyburr
argyle-apple
pineapple lily
pineapple lily
pineapple lily
pineapple lily
pearlbush
pearlbush
pearlbush
pearlbush
flowering crabapple
flowering crabapple
flowering crabapple
crabapple
apple
Siberian crabapple
flowering crabapple
flowering crabapple
crabapple
flowering crabapple
crabapple
apple
Japanese crabapple
crabapple
flowering crabapple
flowering crabapple
flowering crabapple
apple
dwarf apple
columnar apple
columnar apple
dwarf apple
Sargent crabapple
Sargent crabapple
flowering crabapple
crabapple
flowering crabapple
flowering crabapple
flowering crabapple
redbud crabapple
spearmint
apple mint
balsampear
prickly-pear
prickly-pear
prickly-pear
plains prickly pear
pearl millet
pearl millet
may-apple
may-apple
may-apple
Chinese pearlbloom
callery pear
callery pear
callery pear
callery pear
common pear
common pear
common pear
dwarf pear
common pear
willowleaf pear
willowleaf pear
willowleaf pear
pear
pear
dappled willow
pineapple sage
pineapple sage
string of pearls
Malaysian apple
atlas broom
Snowy Day Blizzard pearlbush
Royal Raindrops crabapple
European crabapple
pineapple weed
water spearmint
Asian pear
Irish moss
string-of-pearls
Running Chuckleypear
Tall Pussytoes
Seep Spring Arnica
Halberd Leaf Orache
Cashew Nut
Pineapple
Smooth-barked apple
Pond Apple
Mountain Soursop
Custard Apple (Chirimoya - Cuba)
Golden Sugar Apple
Sugar Apple
Red Pearls Anthurium
Pearl Laceleaf
Pineapple Broom
Pawpaw
King's Spear
Brazilian Prickly Pear
Swallow-Wort
Cocky apple
Seven-year Apple
Dwarf Apple Blossom Tree
Apple Blossom Tree
Apple Blossom Tree
Pink Shower Tree
Palmilla
Night Blooming Cereus
Caimito
Copey
Garlic Pear Tree
Sacred Garlic Pear
String of peas
Bush Pear
Desert Thorn Apple
Thorn Apple
Thorn Apple
Jimsonweed
Pineapple Orchid
Elephant Apple
Katmon
Velvet Apple
Gold Apple
Pink Wild Pear
Wild Pear
Giant Spear Lily
Kei Apple
Argyle Apple
Pineapple Lily
Pineapple Lily
Pineapple Lily
Pearlbush
Feijoa
Mountain Garcinia
Seven Year Apple
Pineapple Zamia
Sunsapote
Wood Apple
Osage Orange
Black Pearl
Apple
Low Chill Apple
Mammee Apple
Pomme Jacquot
Balsam Apple
Bitter Melon
Mouse's Pineapple
Santa Rita Prickly Pear
Prickly Pear
Prickly Pear
Tree Pear
Spearwood Bush
Sweet Calabash
Bell Apple
Pearcea
Pearcea
Pearcea
Avocado
Apple Leaf
Cocky Apple
Monkey Apple
Cinnamon Apple
Broadleaved Lucuma
Southern Pear
Pineapple Sage
Pineapple Cactus
Spear Head
Cockroach berry
Kangaroo Apple
Tropical Soda Apple
Cork Tree
Gedabu
Water Cherry
Sea Apple
Rose apple
Malay Apple
Wild Rose Apple
Wax jamboo
Red Bush Apple
Adam's Apple
Eve's Apple
Tear-shrub
Wild Custard Apple
Elephant Apple
Apple
Water Apple
White Apple
Pineapple Guava
Spineless Hardy Prickly Pear
Purple Prickly Pear
Flowering Pear
FAQ
Do shade growing plants need any Sunlight?
Shade growing plants do need sunlight, although they require less than other plants. They need some direct sunlight each morning to help them photosynthesize and grow properly. Also, indirect sunlight throughout the day helps them stay healthy. Shade growing plants will benefit from the sunshine, but if they get too much or too little, then they can suffer the consequences. It's important to pay attention to the needs of your plants so that you can provide them with the proper light for optimal growth.
How often should you water indoor plants?
Indoor plants should be watered when the soil feels dry to a depth of about two inches, usually about once a week. A helpful technique to determine your plants' watering needs is to feel the soil before and after watering to get a sense of how long it takes to dry out. An important note to remember is that some plants require less water than others, and it's best to research the specific needs of your individual plants. Likewise, if your home is very dry, you might need to water more often as the lack of moisture can stress the plants and lead to problems like brown leaves and wilted stems.
Can my monstera plant get root rot?
Yes, a plant can get root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that can be caused by over-watering, poor soil drainage, or high humidity levels in the air. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting and stunted growth, and damaged or browning root systems. Sometimes it is difficult to detect root rot until the plant is removed from the soil, as the problems are mainly below the soil surface. Treating root rot usually involves removing the affected parts of the plant and replanting the unaffected ones.
Can I put my Monstera outside in summer?
No, you should not put your Monstera outside in summer. Monstera plants need warm, humid air to thrive, and direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Instead, put your Monstera in a bright, sunny spot with indirect light, making sure the sun never directly hits the leaves. During the summer, keep your Monstera's soil damp and mist it occasionally to keep the leaves hydrated. At nighttime, keep the temperature around 16 - 21°C (60 - 70°F). You can definitely take your Monstera outdoors for short periods of time, just make sure to bring it back in if it starts to get too hot.
What happens if my monstera plant gets too cold?
If your monstera plant gets too cold, it will become vulnerable to pests, disease, or other damage. Cold temperatures can damage the leaves of the plant, causing them to become spotted or limp. The roots of monstera plants may also suffer in cold temperatures, leading to root rot or other diseases. Belonging to the tropical family, monsteras are used to warm environments and do not do well in cold temperatures, so it is important to ensure your plant is kept in conditions that suit their needs.
Is it possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space?
Yes, it is possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space. Gardening in a small space can be as simple as growing a few containerized plants in pots and raised beds, or as elaborate as vertically stacking planters, hanging pouches, and hanging baskets on a wall, railing, or fence. Regardless of the size of the space you are working with, some simple techniques such as companion planting, organic fertilizers, and water conservation can help you get the most out of your small vegetable garden.
Is peppermint herb green good for digestion?
Peppermint herb is indeed beneficial for digestion. The flavonoids in the herb support digestion by reducing inflammation in the digestive track, aiding in digestion and relieving indigestion, heartburn, and even the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, peppermint is naturally rich in menthol, which helps to relax the muscles of the stomach, aiding in the digestion of food. Peppermint herb can be consumed in a variety of forms, such as teas, tinctures and capsules, as well as by adding the herb to food or directly to water or tea.
Should peppermint herb green be consumed daily?
No, peppermint herb green should not be consumed daily. This is because it contains high levels of menthol, which can be toxic if taken in large doses. Additionally, consuming large amounts of peppermint herb green could interfere with the absorption of essential minerals and vitamins, potentially causing vitamin deficiencies. For these reasons, it is best to consult with a doctor before incorporating peppermint herb green into your daily diet.
