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A serious plant disease that causes flowers and shoots to take on a "scorched appearance" has been confirmed on apple and hawthorn trees in the western parishes.
From the outbreaks confirmed so far, it is highly likely that the Fireblight infection will be present elsewhere in the island.
Gardeners and landowners are being asked to check their trees and report any symptoms.
Fireblight is a serious plant disease which is present in the UK and most of mainland Europe but had been considered absent from Guernsey. This has recently changed with infection having been confirmed on apple and hawthorn in St Peter's, and on hawthorn trees in the Forest.
Pictured: Typical symptoms of Fireblight include the blackening of flower clusters and the withering of young shoots, which can take on a scorched appearance. In severe cases whole branches and entire trees can become infected.
Nigel Clark, Plant Health Inspector for Guernsey, said young shoots in particular seem to be highly susceptible.
“The presence of Fireblight is a threat to apple orchards, hawthorn hedgerows and a range of garden plants. If your apple, pear or hawthorn trees have suddenly taken on a scorched appearance then they may have been infected with the bacterial disease Fireblight.
"It will be important to identify any outbreak sites to assess whether there is a chance that this disease can be eradicated locally.”
Pictured: Other plants that can become infected by Fireblight include, Firethorn (Pyracantha), pictured above, Cotoneaster, Juneberry (Amelanchier), Mountain Ash (Sorbus), Quince (Chaenomoles & Cydonia) and Medlar.
If you think you have found an infected plant, samples of the infected flowers and shoots can be brought into the States Analytical Laboratory, Longue Rue, St Martin, GY4 6LD. Samples should include the transition between the dead and healthy parts of the plant, as this is where the disease will be most active.
Alternatively, symptoms can be reported to the Plant Health Inspector at agriculture@gov.gg or a message can be left on 01481 711161.
Pictured top: One of the trees locally that has been infected with Fireblight.
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