Fireblight (Erwinia amylovora)

Fireblight, caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, affects apples, pears, and some other related plants like quince and hawthorn. The disease was first found in a UK pear orchard in 1957 having been accidentally introduced from North America. The disease is now widespread in England and Wales, with reported cases right up to the north of Scotland.

The diesease affects the leaves, flowers and fruits. It is spread from plant to plant by insects, wind, rain and contaminated tools. Infected shoots and fruits turn brown/black and shrivel up, almost as if they have been scorched by fire, leading to the name fireblight. Bacterial ooze and cankers can also be seen on some infected parts. Symptoms are most likely in late summer so early-flowering varieties can be less prone to infection. There is no effective treatment for fireblight so infected plants need to be quarantined and destroyed.

Find out more about fireblight via these resources

• Leaflet about fireblight from Defra
• Information about fireblight from RHS
• Data on Erwinia amylovora and photos from EPPO