Once in the blossom, bacteria multiply rapidly in the nectar and eventually enter the flower tissue. From the flower, the bacteria move into the branch. All flowers, leaves and fruit above the point of infection die. Droplets of ooze can form on these infected twigs within three days. Fruit may be infected through insect wounds.
Cankers eventually develop from branch or blossom infections.
Diagnosis Symptoms of blossom blight are first seen about the time of petal fall. Infected blossoms appear water-soaked and wilt rapidly before turning dark brown. Infected twigs exude creamy bacterial ooze in droplets or fine, hair-like strands. Infected fruits also exude bacterial ooze. They eventually dry and remain attached to the branch.