Can fire blight be controlled in loquat by dusting or spraying?
A. The symptoms of this disease are not evident now. They were observed last spring and summer. It is a bacteria, Erwinia amylovora, common in members of the rose family. It is observed here in loquat, pear, cotoneaster, and pyracantha. Die-back of terminal leaves and stems was common this past growing season. The most effective remedy then was to prune off infected branches with sterilized pruning shears. Now, however, to prevent the spread of this bacteria disease, one can use an antibiotic, such as streptomycin (Agri-strep). It is absorbed by the foliage and is systemic within the leaf. It provides some benefit but is not 100% effective. Scientists tell us that a bacteria ooze on infected plants is spread during warm weather by rain, dew, and insects. The insects continue the spread of the disease from blossom to blossom. Prevention may be practiced by pruning out infected areas to avoid unsightly plants later. 3. Q. The last time I made loquat jelly, it came out too thin, but made
