The bacterial origin of fireblight was demonstrated more than a century ago, in 1886. In spite of intensive research since then, however. Its control remains a challenge under certain conditions. Nevertheless, several approaches, preferably used in combination, may lead to reasonable success. It seems that further improvements of control are more likely to be obtained from the plantation of less susceptible varieties, and from the more common use of already available warning systems, than from a questionable release of new chemicals or biological agents to combat Erwinia amylovora.
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