Almost immediately on planting the trees suffered extensive dieback of new growth. we had it tested by FERA and they reported a fungus called Fusarium Lateritium in the die back. The trees were growing by a stand of willow trees that were also experiencing similar symptoms. They were pruned back extensively to remove the disease but it returned several years later. we have since cleft grafted over with Katy.

The apples themselves are an early hard tannin bittersweet variety. Not considered by the local cider making community as worth bothering with. And one farmer we know removed several hundred of them because of it.

Included is the FERA report below for the interested. It should also be noted an orchard we buy from in Monmouthsire in better conditions has similar problems.

Ashton Bitter FERA plant test report.

Both the Ellis Bitter trees in the orchard in Llanblethian and at the barn by Crossways (a much dryer site) have extensive dieback of new growth. Canker looks like the most likely culprit in this case. The trees at the barn are experiencing less and are being managing by extensive pruning.  All trees are being grafted over with more resistant varieties.

A real shame really as Ellis Bitter is a very nice early bittersweet cider apple variety. Ellis bitter works very well in a blend to give a balanced traditional cider.

One of the main unsprayed orchards we buy from in Monmouth has the same issue with Ellis Bitter. We believe this variety is too susceptible to canker to grow organically in Wales sadly.

When planted grew healthily into large, strong trees. They produced a fair early crop. One year I picked pears from an old orchard in Rockfield, Monmouthshire. Some of the trees looked quite diseased. The spent pomace was composed at the end of the orchard. The next year the nearest Hellen’s early tree to the compost tip started to look diseased. Since then all Hellen’s Early trees have the same disease. Possibly pear canker. Extensive die back of new growth and fruit is cracked and damaged. Harvest quanitity is GREATLY affected. 🙁

Other pear trees seem unaffected. Live and learn I guess. Other Hellen’s Early trees on poor sites in Monmouthshire also have the issue. The trees will be grafted over or removed. The fruit itself makes a fair early perry. We would not recommend for organic growing in difficult conditions!

Grew very well for several years into a noticeably upright tree with narrow crotch angles. It produced a crop of delicious small yellow sweet-sharp pineapple flavoured apples that were looked forward too. They really do taste a bit like pineapple!

Then one year almost every branch was struck with canker at the same time. Although pruned out it has come back several times and is being grafted over with deep regret.

It is on the windward side of the orchard. So most likely canker spores from other trees never reached it due to wind direction. That disguised it’s canker susceptibility until one fateful year 🙁

A famous strawberry flavoured apple variety and parent to Katy. It needs a very good year to get it’s best flavour and is often underwhelming.It also needs to be picked when fully ripe to get a good flavour which is why it is not commercially grown.

Sadly very heavily battered by canker and is being grafted over. Honestly I’d just plant Katy instead. Katy may not be as sublime in an especial year as Worcester Pearmain but it’s much more dependable.