Fireblight is a very destructive bacterium disease that causes leaves and flowers to suddenly wilt and turn brown, as if they had been scorched by fire. The bacteria are spread by insects which are attracted to the sweet, sticky ooze in which the bacterria thirve. The insects transfer the bacteria from the host plant to other plants as they visit blooms, in search of nectar.

Trees must have infected branches pruned at least 12″ below the area of discoloration. Care should be taken to avoid contamination through contact of adjacent vegetation. Pruning tools must be sterilized with rubbing alcohol between cuts. Pruned vegetation should be destroyed by inceneration, if possible.