Erwinia amylovora is the cause of bacterial blight, an extremely destructive apple disease. For its control, it is necessary to take several precautionary measures, which include proper agrotechnical measures, mechanical measures, cultivation of resistant varieties and certainly biological protection measures. It is generally known that the bacterium is easily spread by wind and raindrops and that infection can occur both from infected individual trees found in gardens and from plants from the spontaneous flora, wild pear and hawthorn. Therefore, it is very important to take care that you do not have any plants that can be a source of infection in the vicinity of planting apple trees.
The most sensitive is the flowering phase, when infection with this pathogen occurs most often. In addition, the infection can also occur later if the relative humidity is high, through wounds on the plants caused by frost or for some other reason, but also at the places where the stem of the fruit is separated from the branch, during natural or chemical thinning of the fruit.
Chemical measures to control this pathogen often do not give satisfactory results.
So far, the best results in combination with all other integrated protection measures have been achieved by saprophytic bacteria that show an antagonistic effect against this pathogen.
ERWIX is a biological preparation that successfully controls and suppresses the phytopathogenic bacterium Erwinia amylovora. In its composition, it contains bacteria of the genus Bacillus spp., which, forming their biofilm, protect plants from the attack of the bacterium Erwinia amylovora.
Beneficial bacteria from this preparation produce secondary metabolites AUXIN and SURFACTIN, which play a role in biofilm formation. Auxins affect the reproduction of Bacillus spp., while surfactin facilitates their binding to the plant surface and thus together represent a barrier for harmful microorganisms. In order to achieve this, it is important that the bacteria from this preparation “come” first and “take” their place. Treatment with 1% ERWIXA solution should be done at least three times, in the following order of phenophases:
- 5-10% open flowers;
- In full bloom;
- After the beginning of flowering.
If it is in the flowering phase, the weather is warm with a temperature above 18֯C and an air RH above 60%, the treatments should be performed more often and for 3-5 days.
It is important to note that Erwix is not toxic to bees or the environment, and it can be applied even in the later stages of vegetation. Entry holes for E. amylovora bacteria are all mechanical injuries, whether caused by hail or some kind of railway, then Erwix should also be applied.
You can find ERWIX in agricultural pharmacies in Serbia, BiH and North Macedonia.
Our expert service for fruit growing is available for consultations regarding the application of:
B.Sc. Milica Jeftić – mobile: +381646469741
