CIDER drinkers can rest easy in the knowledge that a disease that can blight apple trees has not affected the production of their favourite tipple.
A survey this summer revealed 66 cases of fireblight, which turns twigs, flowers and leaves to black, making them look as if they have been burned.
The discovery of the disease, which is now so prevalent in the Island that it would be impractical to try to eradicate it, prompted apple growers to monitor their trees.
La Mare Vineyard, in St Mary, which makes Branchage cider, identified the disease in a small number of its trees after Environment Department officials visited in order to offer advice to growers.
Vineyard and orchard manager Andrew Smith said: “There were signs of a little bit of fireblight at the ends of some trees, although only 3% to 5% of the total.
“We spent a day cutting leaves out of the affected trees, since when there’s been no sign of it coming back.
“I think if you know what you are looking for, and dispose of the cuttings rather than leave them lying around, there’s nothing to worry about.”
Mr Smith said there had also been some apple trees at La Mare affected in 2022, and that it was important to remain vigilant.
“I take a walk around and look at every plant at least once a week,” he added. “It’s quite a long way, but it’s good for my step-count.”
In neighbouring St Ouen, Sarah Matlock, of cider-maker La Robeline, said there were no signs of the disease within their stock.
“All the trees that we plant are fireblight resistant and, to our knowledge, none of the orchards we harvest have the disease,” she said.
Jersey was formerly designated as a protected zone, with import restrictions in force, but this status has since been revoked after the survey indicated that fireblight was now established in the Island, rather than being found in small isolated pockets.
Orchard owners have been advised by the Environment Department to employ strict monitoring measures, ensuring plants and trees are checked regularly, with any symptomatic sections removed and disposed of.
