Outbreak of fireblight in Sweden in 1986
Fireblight was found in an apple and pear orchard on the SE Coast (opposite the Danish island Bornholm where fireblight is present). The orchard was surrounded by a Crataegus hedge 8-10 m high which was probably initially infected 2-3 years ago by wind or insect transmission. Spread to pear trees in the orchard occurred only in 1986. No infection was found in apple. Attacks on pear in August 1986 were serious, and could kill the trees.
In September and October, all the Crataegus hedge and all infected trees were removed, chipped and burned - and also apparently healthy pear trees in infected blocks.
Intensive infections made in the whole area found no other outbreak, and this first infection seems to be eliminated. In 1987, the whole of Skåne province will be thoroughly surveyed.
Sources
National Board of Agriculture