Damyang County Mobilizes All Efforts to Prevent Fire Blight in Apples and Pears

"Monitoring During the Growing Season Is the Best Way to Prevent the Spread"
"Farmers Urged to Actively Participate and Report Promptly"

Damyang County has urged local farmers to conduct thorough monitoring and report immediately, as the risk of fire blight disease increases during the active growing season of apples and pears. Provided by Damyang County

Damyang County (Governor Jeong Cheolwon) has called on local farmers to conduct thorough monitoring and report immediately, as the risk of fire blight disease is increasing during the active growing season of apples and pears.

According to the county on June 3, in March of this year, three rounds of fire blight control agents were supplied to apple and pear growers in the region to strengthen preemptive prevention measures. In April, during the flowering period, the importance of intensive disease control was emphasized.

However, due to the nature of the disease, if hot and humid weather continues during the growing season in June and July, the risk of spread increases. Therefore, thorough monitoring and follow-up measures are necessary even after initial disease control.

Fire blight is a disease caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora. It is characterized by the leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits of apple and pear trees turning black and withering as if they have been burned.

Since the disease is virtually untreatable and highly contagious, strong measures such as the complete closure of orchards are implemented upon confirmation. As a result, early detection is the most effective way to minimize damage. The Damyang County Agricultural Technology Center has been conducting direct monitoring of local orchards since April, and to date, there have been no confirmed cases.

An official from the Agricultural Technology Center stated, "Fire blight spreads rapidly and covers a wide range, and the period until July remains dangerous. Since it is difficult to completely block the disease through control measures alone, farmers must actively conduct regular monitoring and check for suspicious symptoms throughout the growing season." The official further urged, "If you notice symptoms such as blackened, withered leaves, flowers, or branches, or the secretion of bacterial ooze, please report it immediately."

Meanwhile, the county plans to strengthen intensive monitoring of farms until July to prevent fire blight and will continue to provide on-site guidance and public awareness campaigns.