Fire Blight Sampling
It is only possible to isolate the bacteria (Erwinia amylovora) from fresh, active lesions, where healthy tissue meets the diseased tissue - 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.
Please see the attached form for more information.
Fire Blight Sample Form (pdf; 226KB)
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Upcoming Events
Worker Protection Standards Mock Inspection with the DEC
August 4, 2025 : Worker Protection Standards Mock Inspection with the DEC
Highland, NY
Join ENCHP and DEC staff for a WPS mock inspection. Attendees will split into groups and rotate between multiple stations. 2 core DEC Credits are available for this meeting. This event is free and there is no registration necessary.
2025 Berry Twilight Meetings
July 2, 2025 : Berry Twilight Meeting at Dressel Farms
New Paltz, NY
Join Heather Kase, CCE ENYCHP, and Anna Wallis, Cornell IPM, for seasonal updates on berry pest man-agement and IPM.
July 16, 2025 : Berry Twilight Meeting at Samascott Orchards
Kinderhook, NY
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Hopewell Junction, NY
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August 7, 2025
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Join the Cornell Hard Cider PWT and visit multiple stops throughout the Mid Hudson Valley Region.