my apples have measles
newbie gardener 2
Posts: 6
I have 2 apple trees -both I am told are over 30 years old.The apples on both have got brown spots on and a white sort of cotton wool like stuff on the bark.Does anyone know what it is and how do I get rid of it please?
0
Posts
Hi - The apples sound as though they might have bitter pit. This is caused by low levels of calcium in the fruit. Try spraying the fruits with calcium nitrate from early spring to early autumn
The white cotton wool stuff sounds like Woolly aphid - as you've only got 2 trees you could try scrubbing it off with a stiff brush in Spring if you don't like using a chemical spray. If you go for a spray though, get one that says for woolly aphids on the label. hope this helps.
If you do scrub the bark then use a Horticultural soft soap, which is reasonably organic. The wool on these pests is a wax covering which makes them water proof. The soap removes it and then they drown. They do need removing as they can seriously damage the trees.
The marks on the fruit sound more like Apple scab than Bitter pit. Bitter pit does not normally show on the skin as early as this.
Bit late to do anything now, but in future you cold try spraying with Copper sulphate, again reasonably organic.
Despite the marks on the skins the apples are usually still edible when peeled.
Thank you both so much.Will take your advice so pleased to learn can still use the apples.