Orchards that have secondary bloom or have later-blooming varieties are more at risk for fireblight infection. Controlling fireblight without antibiotics is doable, but it requires an integrated approach combining delayed dormant copper sprays with frequent applications of biological agents, says a plant pathologist from Oregon State University. The antibiotics streptomycin and tetracycline are currently allowed under the National Organic Program for use on organic pears and apples, but a sunset review could eliminate their use on organics in the next few years, according to Dr. Ken Johnson, OSU plant pathologist. Antibiotics are not allowed on organic pears or apples in […]