Happy Tuesday Everyone! I am short on time this week, so I'm just going to cut to the chase regarding how I would manage the fire blight that has reared its ugly head throughout the region:

• Get out an application of Kudos at the higher rate of 12 oz/100 gal. Make sure to read the label regarding other additions to the tank (surfactant, water softeners, etc). Do not apply calcium with Kudos. Application of other PGRs such as Provide may counter some of the effects as Kudos in regards to the ability of Kudos to retard vegetative growth. We are still unsure as to the effects this combo has on fire blight management. I would make another Kudos application 10-14 days later.
• Consider applying strep with Kudos, especially with the rain on the way. Apply the 48 oz/100 gal (200 ppm) rate. If you apply strep, DO NOT skip the Kudos. Strep has a 50 day PHI
• Applying the Kudos should slow down infection progression. DO NOT go prune today or tomorrow morning with the rains on their way. Although I know your knee-jerk reaction may be to remove the infected blossoms and shoots right away, resist the urge. Kudos application should buy you some time until the drier weather returns on Thursday or Friday.
• Make sure to prune at least 12 inches back from the infection margin if possible. Even if you're dealing with blossom blight, assume the bacteria has already progressed into the shoot faster than you can see. I'd prune as far back as your able or at least into last year's wood.
• Remove the infected material from the orchard if possible.

Lastly, please don't forget fungicide applications for the week! If you've already applied 21 lbs of Manzate this season (7 applications at 3 lb/A) it's time to switch over to captan! If you applied Merivon or Cabrio last week, consider adding Aprovia or Omega to the tank with either Captan or Mancozeb this week!

I know this is short but I wanted to get it out quickly. Please contact with if you have any followups!