Disease update: quince rust, powdery mildew, and fire blight

Quince rust lesions (shown on fruits below) are appearing this week from infections that occurred on unprotected fruit Apr 28-May 1.

Early quince rust symptoms. Photo by Allen Cochran May 19, 2014

Powdery mildew:   We have had 27 dry weather “mildew infection days” since spores first became available Apr 9. With good soil moisture and warmer temperatures, expect continued susceptibility of new growth for some time.

Fire blight: Predicted risk remains at an infective level wherever bloom remains and wetting occurs. Pay particular attention to newly planted trees which may have susceptible blossoms.