Fruit tree fire blight hits county with wet spring

Fire blight, a disease that affects apple, pear and other fruit trees, has taken a harsh toll this year due to an unusually wet spring. The disease thrives during growing seasons with particularly high precipitation and humidity, according to a WSU Tree Fruit Research and Extension report.

"It's been the perfect storm for fire blight development," said Stephen Bishop, owner of Bishops' Orchard in Garfield.

Bishop said the best way he has found to ward off the disease is by planting tree varieties that are less susceptible to infection.

"You can wring your hands all you want, but we can live with fire blight. You just can't plant varieties that invite it in," Bishop said.

According to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, the first sign of infection is a watery, tan-colored ooze on the twigs, branches or trunk of a tree. Subsequently, an afflicted tree will appear "scorched," with shriveled, blackened leaves and fruit. Younger trees are especially vulnerable.

Because fire blight is primarily caused by weather conditions, it is difficult to prevent.

According to WSU Tree Fruit Research, preventative measures can be taken to reduce the risk of infection, such as limiting sprinkler misting and using chemical sprays.

Bishop said pruning back affected branches with sterilized clippers can help remedy the issue, although it rarely eliminates the disease.

Growers should prune the branch about 18 inches below the afflicted area. To reduce further spread of the disease, Bishop recommends sterilizing the clippers in a bleach solution between each cut.

The clippers should be sprayed with a coat of WD-40 after the pruning to prevent rusting.

"People shouldn't be frustrated that the branch they so carefully pruned back dies anyway," Bishop added. "Sometimes it's a situation where the horses have already left the stable."