2008 Fire Blight Alert:

I have heard reports that blight sprays are being applied. This is a complete waste of money.

This past month has been the coldest April on record.

Heat is the most important aspect leading up to fire blight infection. If blight could happen under these
coditions, it woul occur every year in every apple and pear orchard.

Rain triggers infection only after a period of abnormally warm days.

If you spray fire blight under current conditions, you have made no difference in the amount of fire blight

you may have in 2008. There is warm weater ahead, maybe in 10 to 14 days we will have fire blight

infection potential.

There is no point to spray blight "just to be safe" when the weather is cold.