Orchard Menace Discovered in Kennewick Highlands
A local inspector warns farmers to take immediate action after the first authenticated case of fire blight is found on a Highlands apple tree.
Luke Powell made a trip of inspection over the Highlands Saturday and reported finding fire blight on an apple tree in one orchard. This is the first authentic case of fire blight found on the Highlands and should awaken all farmers to the greatest vigilance in watching their trees and immediately destroying such trees or portions of trees as necessary to stop the spread of this orchard menace.
“This is the first authentic case of fire blight found on the Highlands and should awaken all farmers to the greatest vigilance.”
Fire blight remains a significant, recurring challenge for Washington apple growers over a century later. The urgent call for collective agricultural vigilance reflects the high stakes of an economy historically and currently tethered to the health of its orchards.
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