bitter rot

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bitter rot¹

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

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

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

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 Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg