Disease threat from imported fruit trees

Islanders are being reminded to check they are using reputable suppliers before buying apple or pear trees online or by mail order to prevent the spread of plant disease in Jersey.

 

Jersey is recognised as an EU Protected Zone and is free from the quarantine bacterial disease Fireblight which kills apple trees and hawthorn hedgerows. The status means plants sent to Jersey from countries with the disease, such as the UK and France, must only come from officially approved nurseries. 

 

Local retailers are aware of the import requirements but there is a real risk that infected plants could be sent to Jersey through mail order or online companies. 

 

Anyone buying apple or pear trees, or any plants which could be affected by Fireblight, should check with suppliers that the plants can be sent to a Fireblight Protected zone. This advice also applies to travellers wanting to bring plants back to the Island. Plants supplied from non-approved nurseries could be destroyed. 

 

You can get advice from the duty Plant Health Inspector at the Department of the Environment.