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.

---

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 • Sep. 7, 2021

In Illinois, to illustrate, we have what is called the bitter rot fungus in the southern part of the state.

From Trees, Fruits and Flowers of Minnesota, 1916 Embracing the Transactions of the Minnesota State Horticultural Society,Volume 44, from December 1, 1915, to December 1, 1916, Including the Twelve Numbers of "The Minnesota Horticulturist" for 1916 by Latham, A. W.

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 American Pomology Apples by Warder, J. A.

The fruit is subject to bitter rot, and does not keep well, but may be used for cooking as soon as any other apple, making good sauce in July, when not half grown.

From American Pomology Apples by Warder, J. A.

If any one has the bitter rot they are scared to death, they think they are suffering untold misfortune.

From Trees, Fruits and Flowers of Minnesota, 1916 Embracing the Transactions of the Minnesota State Horticultural Society,Volume 44, from December 1, 1915, to December 1, 1916, Including the Twelve Numbers of "The Minnesota Horticulturist" for 1916 by Latham, A. W.