I think my 3 years planted bosc pear tree has a fire blight on the trunk. I noticed some damage the first year after planting, but I thought it was rabbit or deer, however now it really looks like it is spreading. Is it best to take it out altogether, or is there some way to mitigate the infection? It does seem to have ringed the small trunk completely.
This question has been forwarded to the Vancouver Island Master Gardeners Advice Line. Input from other members is also very welcome.
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I should add that, the rest of the little tree is looking robust and has a ton of blossom buds on it right now. Nevertheless, if it has to go because of this situation, that’s just the way it is.
Many thanks to the Master Gardeners through the Milner Gardens & Woodland’s Gardening Advice Line (a partnership between Vancouver Island University’s Milner Gardens & Woodland and the Vancouver Island Master Gardeners Association) for their response to this question:
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We have researched your enquiry and based on your photo, the damage is to the trunk and seems to be consistent with fire blight. Because it’s in the trunk we don’t believe the tree can be saved.
Fire blight management is preventative and unfortunately there is no treatment once fire blight has occurred; infected limbs are removed and disposed of (burned immediately or bagged and sent to dump, infected wood should not be composted). Unfortunately, because fire blight has infected the trunk there isn’t an option to save the tree.
It is a good idea to also check any nearby pear or apple trees for fire blight.
If a new pear tree is to be planted, we would suggest a more resistant variety be selected, such as Asian pear: Seuri, Shinko or Singo.
Regards,
Eric Mohlmann and CyAnne Bertoia
https://www.bctfpg.ca/pest_guide/info/27/
Vancouver Island Master Gardeners Association
Phone: 250-752-0312
Email: GardeningAdvice.MilnerGardens@shaw.ca
Web: www2.viu.ca/milnergardens/gardening-advice.asp
Milner Gardens & Woodland’s Gardening Advice is offered through a partnership between Vancouver Island University’s Milner Gardens & Woodland and the Vancouver Island Master Gardeners Association.
Advice is given without charge and although it is believed to be correct, it is given on the basis that there is no liability on the part of the Master Gardener, VIU, or the Vancouver Island Master Gardeners Association.
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Thank you for the advice. It’s what I feared, but wasn’t sure of. Bye-bye little pear tree.
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