The Rural Development Administration: "Control pear and apple tree fire blight before flowering"

(Jeonju=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Jin-bang = The Rural Development Administration urged pear and apple farmers to prepare for pest control three days before flowering to prevent pear blossom blight. Pear blossom blight poses a high risk of infection before and after flowering, making preventive measures crucial. For pears, which bloom before apples, the period right after bud break is the best time for pest control. Spraying copper-containing fungicides (copper compounds) or lime-sulfur mixtures at this time can enhance preventive effects. For apples, it is recommended to spray lime-Bordeaux mixture or copper fungicides just before the buds open and the green leaves unfurl. The Rural Development Administration plans to supply pre-flowering pest control agents to farmers through municipal agricultural technology centers. During pest control operations, it is mandatory to wear protective gear such as masks that fit tightly around the nose and mouth, goggles, and protective clothing. High-speed sprayers (SS machines) and power sprayers should comply with agricultural machinery safety guidelines. Chae Ui-seok, Director of the Disaster Response Division at the Rural Development Administration, said, "Once pre-flowering pest control is completed, it is necessary to conduct pest control during flowering 2 to 3 times according to the local flowering period." He also mentioned plans to collaborate with local rural development agencies to provide information on the risk of pear blossom blight infection and appropriate pest control timing.