Experience with fireblight in the Czech Republic1

Erwinia amylovora has been spreading in the Czech Republic since 1986 regardless of emergency phytosanitary measures which have been taken. Its spread follows the predominant wind direction (west to east). The infested area now covers two thirds of the area of the country. Wild Crataegus spp. are the most important and widespread host plants. E. amylovora is still regulated as a quarantine pest, and areas free from fireblight are subject to special phytosanitary measures.