2019 Fire Blight Survey
Mike Basedow, Tree Fruit Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Kerik Cox's lab will be conducting a fire blight survey again this year, investigating streptomycin resistance and strain distribution across NY State and New England.
In the event fire blight does show up in your orchard, please send a sample to our lab!
You may take a sample yourself as outlined in the sample form on page 11, or you may wish to contact Dan Donahue or Mike Basedow to come and help you collect the sample.
It is imperative that we receive living (green) cambium tissue from the canker margin (i.e. where the necrotic and healthy tissue meet). Otherwise, the pathogen cannot be isolated. Samples should be sent as soon as possible after being removed from the tree, and kept cool if possible.
Samples submitted without the form will not be processed!
Instructions for sampling: It is only possible to isolate the bacteria (Erwinia amylovora) from fresh, active lesions, where healthy tissue meets the diseased tissue, i.e. the lesion margin. It is impossible to isolate fire blight bacteria from dead, dried out tissue.
The Lesion Margin: Collect samples that include about 3 inches of healthy tissue beyond the infected tissue, and include about 3 inches of infected tissue. Do not submit all the dead branch of the strike, this is often too long and can be cut back, as described, to 3 inches of infected tissue above 3 inches of healthy tissue. If possible, refrigerate infected trees and strikes. Protect samples from drying out prior to submitting them. Do not collect entire branches or trees unless symptoms are unusual.
2019 Fire Blight Survey Submission Form (pdf; 800KB)
- Submit fire blight infected trees and strikes for testing
Apples
Apricots
Asparagus
Beets
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Brussels Sprouts
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Plums
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Pumpkins / Gourds
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Raspberries / Blackberries
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Squash - Summer
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Sweet Corn
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Upcoming Events
Ag Labor Road Show IX
December 1, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 1
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
December 9, 2025 : Save the Date - Ag Labor Road Show In-Person Event (Greenwich, NY)
Greenwich, NY
The Roadshow delivers essential updates on labor law, regulations, and workforce best practices—tailored for farm owners, managers, and ag service providers. Sessions also focus on practical strategies to boost communication, strengthen retention, and build a positive workplace culture.
The in-person session for Eastern NY is December 9 - Elks Lodge, Greenwich, NY - full day in person session
Additional in-person sessions are:
December 10 - Hilton Garden Inn, Watertown, NY, December 17 - Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY, December 18 - Genesee Community College, Batavia, NY
December 22, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 2
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
How to Obtain a Pesticide Applicator License
December 17, 2025
Thinking about becoming a certified pesticide applicator in New York, but aren't sure where to start? Join DEC representative Kenneth Klubek for a discussion on who needs to become a certified pesticide applicator, certification types, examination procedures, and recertification. Participants will have ample opportunity to ask questions during the program.
2026 Winter Cut Flower Webinar Series
January 6, 2026 : Session 1: Cut Flower Cost Calculator Updates and Woody Cuts
Session 1: Cut Flower Cost Calculator Updates and Woody Cuts
January 13, 2026 : Session 2: Perennials and Industry Trends
Session 2: Perennials and Industry Trends
January 20, 2026 : Session 3: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Biochar
Session 3: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Biochar
January 27, 2026 : Session 4: Beneficial Insects and Propagation Techniques
Session 4: Beneficial Insects and Propagation Techniques
February 3, 2026 : Session 5: Fungal and Insect Pests and Market Trends
Session 5: Fungal and Insect Pests and Market Trends