Fireblight Susceptibility, Growth and other Characteristics in Ornamental Pears in Alabama    (View PDF)

Donna C. Fare, Charles H. Gilliam, and Harry G. Ponder

Abstract: Pyrus calleryana and nine cultivars were evaluated for fireblight susceptibility, flowering, growth habit, fall leaf color, and fruiting in southern conditions. Disease susceptibility to fireblight (Erwinia amylovora) was monitored during the spring season. Aristocrat and Autumn Blaze were highly susceptible as indicated by the number of infected shoots per tree and shoot length dieback. Bradford was the least sensitive to fireblight. Bradford was the earliest flowering cultivar, with flowering beginning in late March to early April and Aristocrat was the last cultivar to flower, beginning 10-14 days later. Autumn Blaze developed fall leaf color by mid- October while Bradford's leaf color peaked in mid-November. Aristocrat, Autumn Blaze, Bradford, Cleveland Select, Earlyred, and Fauriei developed rounded to pyramidal canopy forms. Capital, Redspire, and Whitehouse developed upright canopy forms.

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https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.1991.059