Fire Blight Alert and Risk Map Overview

Apple and pear trees are at or approaching bloom. Infection by the fire blight bacterium occurs during bloom, thus, protectant antibiotics should be applied when the risk is high. 

The risk for infection can be assessed using the Fire Blight Disease Prediction Model. Growers can assess local risk by selecting their county and orchard history. This model incorporates the previous 4 days of weather data plus adds a 7-day forecast for estimating leaf wetness and temperature (thereby estimating the risk for bacterial growth and infection). There are 66 Mesonet weather stations throughout Kentucky, thus, weather information for the model is based on data from the closest weather station. A mobile (phone or tablet) friendly version of this site is here.

Remember that apple and pear trees must be in bloom for predictions to be accurate. The map overview presented here indicates fire blight risk as of March 28, 2022 (Figure 1). According to the current assessment, the risk is low for the state. Growers are encouraged to check the model regularly for the most accurate analyses and county-specific forecasts.

Additional Resources

Information regarding the prevention and management of fire blight can be found in:

• Using Prediction Models to Manage Diseases in Fruit (PPFS-FR-T-07)
• Commercial Fruit Pest Management Guide (ID-232)
• Backyard Apple Disease Management Using Cultural Practices (PPFS-FR-T-21)
• Fire blight (PPFS-FR-T-12)
• Fire blight of Apple (Video)

Figure 1: Fire blight risk for Kentucky counties as of March 28, 2022.

By: Nicole Gauthier, Plant Pathology Extension Specialist, and Kimberly Leonberger, Plant Pathology Extension Associate

Check out these additional UK Publications about Early Blight & Septoria Leaf Spot of Tomato – Disease Management for Commercial & Residential Growers

For Commerical Growers

For Residential Growers