Is this a fire blight canker? - Ask Extension
This young apple tree in our family's small orchard has fire blight. We have been trying to control the blight by copper sulfate spray and pruning. (T...
Knowledgebase
Is this a fire blight canker? #801202
Asked July 14, 2022, 7:28 PM EDT
This young apple tree in our family's small orchard has fire blight. We have been trying to control the blight by copper sulfate spray and pruning. (There are 2 other young trees affected as well).
Under the protective screen on the trunk there was a sucker with fire blight on it and this canker.
Is this a fire blight canker and if so, do we need to cut the tree down or can we treat?
Osceola County Michigan
Expert Response
If there was a side shoot with fire blight on this area of the trunk, the canker may still still harbor the fire blight bacteria.
In any case, the trunk of the tree has a large cankered zone that is non-functional, that will never heal, that in my opinion makes the tree not worth saving. The tree will continue to decline.
In any case, the trunk of the tree has a large cankered zone that is non-functional, that will never heal, that in my opinion makes the tree not worth saving. The tree will continue to decline.