Evaluation of Local and Imported Fire Blight Warning Systems in Israel

• DOI: 10.1094/phyto.2003.93.3.356
• Publication Date: 2007-05-11T11:19:39Z
• Authors: D. Shtienberg; H. Shwartz; D. Oppenheim; M. Zilberstaine; Z. Herzog; S. Manulis; G. Kritzman
• Keywords: Fire blight; Orchard; Disease Control

The possibility of using local and imported warning systems for the management fire blight (caused by bacterium Erwinia amylovora) in pears was tested Israel from 1997 to 2000. Three (MARYBLYT 4.3, BIS95, Cougarblight 98C) one system (Fire Blight Control Advisory [FBCA]) were used. All simulation experiments; MARYBLYT 4.3 FBCA also orchard experiments under natural infections. Simulation included 193 orchard-plots which time disease onset enabled us determine date infection. Thirty-five conducted commercial orchards; 10 these, developed naturally. performance too variable be accurately used Israeli conditions. In experiments, success rate (i.e., capacity predict exact occurrence infection episodes) low (3 55%) with considerably large variability among years (CV = 30 67%). Similar results obtained 4.3: only two five where plots managed according that severity significantly lower than recorded untreated control plots. comparison, system, FBCA, predicted most episodes (99%, CV 1.0%). adequate suppression achieved all eight recommendations followed. We concluded it not possible import successfully implement have been regions dissimilar environmental