We've had a very abnormal Spring. El Nino is kicking in, and as a result, we've had a number of low pressure systems drop south from the Gulf of Alaska that spin off the coast and suck in moisture out of the subtropics. Upwelling has ceased, and our water temperatures offshore are 15F higher than normal (normally 45F at the Farralone islands, currently at 60F) so overnight temps are unusually warm too (upper 50's as opposed to upper 40's.)
This tree bloomed right during a week when conditions were ideal for fireblight - 1 week of fog/drizzle/rain at 65-75F. I've never seen this sort of thing before here as May is typically warm and dry. This Spring has been the worst as far as disease is concerned. I've cut off more than 6 inches away on each branch. My sense is that this variety is abnormally sensitive to fireblight. The question is, what happens to the bacteria when it gets warmer? Does it just go dormant in the tree? ________________________________ From: Bill Shoemaker <wshoe...@illinois.edu> To: Apple-Crop <apple-crop@virtualorchard.net> Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 5:39:41 PM Subject: Re: Apple-Crop: Fireblight on Ernst Bosch Axel You're in a tough place Alex. Bacterial diseases are generally tough, and in woody plants like apples, incredibly persistent. If you're cutting out infected material, I hope you're cutting back at least 6" from the infection. Any pest control material you use right now may be futile until conditions cease favoring disease. Just hold in there until warmer, drier weather prevails, then re-assess. I'm not familiar with the variety, but perhaps its not a good match for your climate. Good luck. Bill William H Shoemaker, UI-NRES Sr Research Specialist, Food Crops St Charles Horticulture Research Center 535 Randall Road St Charles, IL 60174 630-584-7254; FAX-584-4610 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard <http://www.virtualorchard.net> and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon Clements <webmas...@virtualorchard.net>. Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent "official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for the content.
