Cider enthusiasts can rest assured that a disease affecting apple trees has not impacted the production of their favourite beverage.
A summer survey found 66 cases of fireblight, a disease that causes twigs, flowers, and leaves to turn black, giving them a burned appearance. The discovery of the disease, which has become so widespread in the Island that eradication is no longer feasible, led apple growers to closely monitor their trees.
La Mare Vineyard in St. Mary, which produces Branchage cider, identified a few affected trees after Environment Department officials visited to provide advice. However, in nearby St. Ouen, Sarah Matlock of La Robeline cider-makers reported no signs of the disease in their orchards.
“All the trees we plant are fireblight-resistant, and to our knowledge, none of the orchards we harvest have been affected,” Matlock said.
Jersey previously held protected status with import restrictions in place, but this was revoked after the survey indicated that fireblight is now established across the Island, rather than being confined to isolated areas.
Orchard owners have been advised by the Environment Department to implement strict monitoring, regularly checking plants and trees, and removing and disposing of any affected sections.
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