What is the disease Fire Blight caused by?

Fire Blight is a destructive plant disease caused by a specific bacterium known as Erwinia amylovora. This pathogen primarily affects members of the Rosaceae family, including apple and pear trees. The symptoms of Fire Blight appear as blackened, wilting flowers and shoots, often resembling the effects of fire damage, hence the name "Fire Blight."

The bacterium spreads through various means, including rain splashes, insects, and contaminated pruning tools. Once the bacterium enters the plant, it multiplies and moves through the vascular system, leading to significant tissue damage. Understanding that Fire Blight originates from a bacterium is crucial for proper diagnosis and management of the disease, as different pathogens would require distinctly varied approaches for control and treatment.