Bitter Truths & Blight Fight: Calcium Pathway & Fire Blight Management Explained

In this episode of Between Two Rows, Erika and Kristy dig into two grower-submitted questions: 

1. What is calcium's role in bitter pit? 
2. Is there an ideal time to manage fire blight? 

First, we explore the calcium pathway - how calcium moves through the tree, why fruit is often the last to receive it, and the role this plays in the development of bitter pit. Then we shift gears to fire blight, tackling the question of whether there really is an "ideal" time to manage this devastating disease, or if timing depends on orchard conditions and seasonal risk. Join us as we break down the science and share practical insights - all in one conversation between two rows.

Featured cider this episode: Loch Mor Cider Co. (Untamed Dry Cider), Hillier ON

Looking to enter the 2026 Ontario Cider Competition? Registration now open for the Ontario Craft Cider Competition (February 17) and Ontario Sweet Cider Competition (February 18).

Have a question for another episode? Leave it in the comments, or message us @fruitwithespurs or @appleofmyipm.

For timely apple pest and production updates, check out onfruit.ca. 

Additional pest management information can be found at Ontario Crop IPM and the Ontario Crop Protection Hub.

Chapters

• 0:40 Episode Introduction
• 2:55 Featured Cider
• 5:51 Calcium Pathway Explained
• 26:34 Fire Blight Management Timing Explained
• 53:35 Recap