Sick Jupiter Apple Tree

Pompeyexile

I have a Jupiter Apple tree the I have trained into an espalier over the last 8 years or so. It has never produced more than a couple of apples and in the last two years, has been suffering from this white fluffy disease that I cannot identify. I have asked for help before and was told to winterwash, which I did this winter but the fungus has come back even more vigorous than ever.

Can you help identify what this disease is and how I can erradicate it and hopefully actually get some fruit.

Thanks Everyone

BobTheGardener

That looks like woolly aphid rather than any kind of fungus to me:

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=724

I'd use a container of warm soapy water and an old toothbrush or nail brush etc. (anything with stiff bristles), to gently scrub them off.  You may need to repeat in a few weeks as you won't get them all in one go.

Woolly aphid is very common on fruit trees but is worse on those suffering because of other issues, such as lack of water or food.  I can't seen the base of the tree in the photo but it may be close to the wall, in which case you will need to water it a lot more than trees in open ground because walls suck-up water from the surrounding soil.  I would put down some food, such as fish, blood & bone and water it with at least 2 bucketfuls a week from now until next winter to ensure it is getting enough.

Pompeyexile

Bob the Gardener you are a star!

Thank you so much. As you can tell I am a novice gardener, which is why I had no idea what the issue was. Yes the roots are close to the wall I've trained it on, so I will follow your instructions to the letter. I'll be rummaging around for an old toothbrush as soon as I type this and I have got some fruit tree feed from when I bought the winter wash, so I will give it some of that too as well as keeping it well watered.

Thanks again

Paul.

steephill

Jupiter is a triploid variety and needs two different compatible group 4 pollinators within range. That might explain the lack of apples if you don't have suitable pollinators in your garden or in nearby gardens.

Dovefromabove

https://www.orangepippintrees.co.uk/pollinationchecker.aspx?v=1034

Pompeyexile

Ah, well that accounts for the lack of fruit. Again my lack of gardening nouse meant I had no idea of needing to pair it with other apple trees for pollination. Only one neighbour in our close had an apple tree and I don't know what variety it was, but he cut it down last year anyway. I guess in my naivety I thought the humble bumble bee would come along and do the job, but I guess if there are no other apple tree nearby, that's it. Unfortunately, my garden is too small for another tree and I already have a plum and cherry which I have to keep well pruned, so they don't get too big.

Thanks again for your advice, it is much appreciated.

BobTheGardener

That's a shame as you have done a super job in training it!  You can buy cordon apple trees which can be kept to just a single 3 to 4ft stem with flower/fruit on spurs, so take virtually no room and may be worth considering, or growing a couple of 'patio' types in large pots which will also only grow to a similar size as they are on dwarfing rootstock.  Only a bit of pruning is needed and you seem to be good at that!

Pompeyexile

Just thought you'd like to see how great my Jupiter has responded to your advice. It is looking healthy. I will now try and see if I can order on-line a couple of cordon apple in group 3 and 4 and maybe next year I'll be lucky enough and get some fruit.

Thanks again for all your help.

Dovefromabove

That’s looking much happier 😊 it’s great to get feedback 👍 

Hope you can get some pollination partners for it do you can enjoy your apples. 😋 

BobTheGardener

Excellent news!