Yeongam-gun Operates Field Inspection Team for Fire Blight in Fruit Trees

One-Stop Inspection from Focused Surveillance of Pears and Apples to On-Site Diagnosis of Suspicious Symptoms

[Yeongam=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Jae-kyung] Yeongam-gun, Jeollanam-do is operating a ‘Fire Blight Field Surveillance Inspection Team’ to make every effort to prevent its introduction.

The Fire Blight Field Surveillance Inspection Team will conduct intensive surveillance until the end of next month to detect early signs of abnormalities in orchards, check whether work tools are disinfected, verify pest control certificates and farming work logs, and carry out on-site diagnosis if suspicious symptoms are found.

‘Fire Blight’ is a national quarantine disease that mainly occurs in pear and apple trees. It is a bacterial disease that causes tissues to turn black and wither as if burned. When it occurs, the entire orchard must be destroyed and surrounding host plants buried.

Because it spreads rapidly and there is currently no treatment, regular surveillance by farmers and prompt reporting upon discovery of suspicious trees are very important to prevent its introduction and spread.

If suspicious symptoms of Fire Blight are found, immediate reporting to the County Agricultural Technology Center or the nationwide pest and disease reporting hotline is required.

Farmers and workers should disinfect work tools and clothing frequently when entering orchards, conduct self-surveillance at least once a week to detect early symptoms, and refrain from visiting other orchards as much as possible.

Also, the introduction of seedlings and grafts from Fire Blight affected areas must be prohibited.

An official from the Agricultural Technology Center stated, “Cases of Fire Blight spread by workers occur every year, so thorough disinfection during farming work and meticulous recording of farming work logs are necessary,” and added, “We once again urge farmers to actively conduct surveillance and report suspicious symptoms.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.