Ag Line: Fire Blight of Bradford Pear
By Wade Parker County Extension Coordinator

4-H'ers participating at Cloverleaf Camp were, from left, first row: Levi Proctor, Kristin McLamb and Steven Brantley; second row: Blais Chance, Mason Davis, Whitney King, Irene Dieteman, Kayla Kirkland, Cassie Bragg, Tonya Lane and Emily Edenfield; and third row: Jerome Young, Jacob Lindsey, Johnna Forehand, Chelsea Taylor, Callie Dailey, Sara Burke, David Wade, and Paul Dieteman. Not pictured is Morgan Royal.

Have you ever noticed the leaves on Bradford pears turning a bronze or brown color? This bronzing is followed by dead tissue forming in the tree. This disease is Fire Blight, a bacterial disease which can severely damage apples and pears, Bradfords.

Bradford pears are one of the most common landscape trees found in this area. Unfortunately, they are not without problems. This year with the high humidity and early rainfall, we have experienced more Fire Blight than usual.

Symptoms

Fire Blight symptoms are first observed in the spring. Blossoms appear water-soaked, later turning brown then black. During humid or rainy weather, blighted tissues usually exude a milkylike, sticky liquid or ooze containing the bacteria. At first glance, one might think the tree is suffering from a fertility or water stress problem. As time passes, the twigs and leaves will appear to be scorched.

4-H'ers participating at Junior Camp were, from left, first row: Brittney and Breanna Adams; second row: Krysten Yager, Brianna Lane, Tabitha Trent, Amanda Wilkerson and Jessica Herrmann; and third row: Walter Ivy, Margaret Dickens, Cody Johnson, Whitley Clark and Ashton Sherrod. Not pictured are Mrs. Elaine Lanier and Aaron Comstock.

Control

Fire Blight control is very difficult to obtain. During the late summer when bacterial growth slows, all infected twigs and branches should be pruned out and discarded. The bacteria are usually found somewhat in advance of the obviously diseased tissue. The pruning cut should be made through healthy wood 6-8 inches below the point of visible infection. Cankered areas on large branches and trunks should be pruned out during the dormant season.

Fire Blight is worse on succulent tissues. Avoid excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers and excessive pruning, both of which promote succulent growth. Bradford pears have a tendency to promote succulent growth, therefore, remove water sprouts that form on susceptible tree species as they appear. Chemical control is generally not recommended in home landscape situations.

Bradford pears are fun to grow and are attractive once established. In my opinion, they are one of the prettiest trees in the springtime!

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4-H'ers Attend Camp Junior Camp

Jekyll Island 4-H Center will never be the same after Jenkins County attended 4-H Junior Camp the week of June 12-16! While at camp, 4-H'ers participated in many environmental activities such as seining, crabbing, ocean ecology, and canoeing.

4-H'ers also enjoyed summer waves, shopping on St. Simons Island, dances, and swimming at the beach. If you ask any 4-H'er that has attended Jekyll Island 4H Center, they will tell you it is their favorite camp. Even Hurricane Alberto did not stop this group from having a good time. Cloverleaf Camp

Jenkins County 4-H traveled to Rock Eagle 4-H Center June 1923 for Cloverleaf Camp. While at camp, 4-H'ers participated in canoeing, team work games, archery, hi and low ropes, snakes, and many more fun classes. This is the second year in a row we have attended Rock Eagle. The highlight of the week was the pageant on Thursday night, or the story of Rock Eagle. The counselors do an excellent job dramatizing the history of Rock Eagle. While we will probably attend a smaller camp next year, we look forward to Rock Eagle in the future. Camp is my favorite time of year because I get caught up on all of my sleep!

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