Fireblight is often overlooked, particularly on apples, because of its sporadic nature in the UK. Fireblight is usually associated with pears but it can be equally important on some apple varieties such as Gala and Egremont Russet which are particularly susceptible.
- In 2000 in the USA (Michigan) a fireblight epidemic was responsible for the death of 220,000 apple trees 2-5 years in age.
- 240 hectares of orchards were lost at a cost of $42 million. The main variety affected was Gala on M26 rootstock.
- The disease, which is caused by bacteria, requires special attention because there are no recommended chemical control agents.