Even though fire blight outbreaks are often sporadic, disease development can rapidly lead to the loss of entire apple and/or pear orchards, therefore representing a great threat to the apple and pear production of many regions worldwide (Doolotkeldieva et al. Since its first description in New York State at the end of the 18th century, this destructive disease spread to many countries and it is now present in New Zealand, Europe, northern Africa, Asia, and the Middle East (Van der Zwet et al. amylovora.įire blight is a devastating disease affecting a wide range of plant species belonging to the Rosaceae family, including apple ( Malus domestica L.) and pear ( Pyrus communis L.) that are the major hosts. Recent studies showed apple flower microbiota might promote or hinder the infection progress, thus representing a possible source of new biocontrol agents effective in controlling E. The host plant represents an important factor as its susceptibility varies among the species belonging to the Rosaceae family. amylovora, playing a role in the dispersal of the disease. Once fire blight develops, insects act as potential vectors of E. amylovora to grow and reach the specific cell density needed for plant infection. For instance, specific humidity and temperature create the suitable conditions for E. amylovora cells, flower microbiota, plant host, insect vectors and environment. amylovora alone does not necessarily result in the disease development as it is the final outcome of multiple interactions established between E.

amylovora biology, as the knowledge of the plant pathogen biology is essential to develop eco-friendly management strategies.

In this review, we summarized what is known on E. Thus, there is an urgent need to find new alternatives to such plant protection products. Copper and antibiotics are still the most effective solutions to control fire blight, although their application contribute to environmental pollution and to the development of E. The ability of its causal agent, Erwinia amylovora, to spread rapidly in the host plants makes this devastating disease difficult to manage. Fire blight represents a great threat to apple and pear production worldwide.

Crabapple tree diseases fire blight