Fire Blight Description (Erwinia amylovora)

Fire blight is a bacterial disease that causes a sudden wilting, shriveling, and blackening or browning of shoots, blossoms, and fruit. Infection first occurs during bloom. Infected blossoms appear water-soaked and turn brown or black. The infections may then spread through the blossom-bearing stem, turning it black, and into the spur or main branch to form a canker. Rapid infection of extensive portions of the plant gives it a "scorched by fire" appearance with dead leaves remaining attached to twigs. Branch tips curl, giving them a "shepherd's crook" appearance. Cankers can form on twigs and branches, which may die back.

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