bitter rot

American  

noun

Plant Pathology.

1. a disease of apples, grapes, and other fruit, characterized by cankers on the branches or twigs and bitter, rotted fruit, caused by any of several fungi.

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Etymology

Origin of bitter rot

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

Excessive rain brings other problems, including an apple disease named bitter rot, to which Honeycrisp apples are particularly susceptible.

From Washington Post

Core irregular, closed, meeting the eye; Seeds numerous, angular, plump; Flesh yellow, breaking, coarse-grained; Flavor sub-acid, poor; third quality; for cooking and market only; Season December; very much disposed to bitter rot.

From Project Gutenberg

Does not keep well, rather subject to bitter rot, but a great favorite with house-keepers, and a useful shade tree near the kitchen door.

From Project Gutenberg

Bitter Rot.—Our excellent and observing friend, H.N.

From Project Gutenberg

He thinks this malady is different from that described by Mr. Gillett, and that it, the true Bitter Rot, is caused by a fungous growth, the spores of which are carried on the air from tree to tree, like a similar fungus producing mold in the cherry, plum, and peach.

From Project Gutenberg