Blossom wilt on an apple tree - Ask Extension
I think my apple tree has blossom wilt? Not sure what to do to help it. I’ve read to trim out the infected branches but should that be done now or i...
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Blossom wilt on an apple tree #462947
Asked June 16, 2018, 11:02 PM EDT
I think my apple tree has blossom wilt? Not sure what to do to help it. I’ve read to trim out the infected branches but should that be done now or in the winter? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
My initial suspicion is fire blight, which has been a big problem this season. It looks like only part of the tree is infected. But, I cannot tell from your picture if the dead branches have the characteristic "shepherd's crook." If it does, that is a dead give away for fire blight.
Here's some information on fire blight.
http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/fire-blight-2-907/
Be sure to sterilize your pruners between cuts otherwise you could inadvertently spread the disease.
If you want to be sure of my diagnosis, take a sample, the dead branch, to the Arapahoe County extension office. There is a small fee for diagnosing. I think it's $7.
http://arapahoe.extension.colostate.edu/county-directory/
Here's some information on fire blight.
http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/fire-blight-2-907/
Be sure to sterilize your pruners between cuts otherwise you could inadvertently spread the disease.
If you want to be sure of my diagnosis, take a sample, the dead branch, to the Arapahoe County extension office. There is a small fee for diagnosing. I think it's $7.
http://arapahoe.extension.colostate.edu/county-directory/
