Fireblight Spreads Across Jersey, Threatening Fruit Crops.
Jersey is facing a severe plant disease outbreak, with 66 cases of fireblight confirmed so far. This disease is destroying fruit blossoms and hedges by depriving them of water.
Fireblight causes fruit blossoms to darken and makes twigs, flowers, and leaves appear as if scorched by fire. Although officials believe the disease may now be too widespread to fully eradicate on the island, they are hopeful that they can manage its spread.
The disease poses no known risk to humans but can significantly reduce crop yields. Insects, including pollinators like bees, can spread the harmful bacteria to healthy plants.
Jordi Sanvicens Moreno, Head Winemaker at Le Mare Estate, reported that about 30% of his apple orchard was affected, resulting in the loss of the entire crop.
The Government’s Environmental Department is working to protect the remaining healthy plants. Plant Pathologist Steve Thompson said, “Fireblight is a bacterial disease affecting plants in the Rosaceae family. It began in North America and has been present in Europe for the past 50 to 100 years. We face a serious problem.”
Thompson noted that past efforts to control the disease by removing infected hedges and plants were costly and damaging to biodiversity, making this approach less feasible now.
A similar fireblight outbreak occurred in Guernsey a few years ago but has since been brought under control.