Apple problem.

 

I recently pruned some dwarf apple trees and found that in some places there
was what appeared to be a white fungus growing.  However on a closer look I
saw that it was sort of fluffy and that there was what appeared to be aphids
hiding under it.

Can anybody advise on identity and solution to prevent recurrence please.

Regards

Lionel

 



Wooly aphid. They're not harmful in themselves but may cause corky
galls which can be an entry for canker spores. (Hessayon)

They're maybe food for some beneficial insect or other, or the
birds, which currently can't keep up.

There are plenty of references on the net


michael adams

...

 

Geoff
As Michael says - wooly aphid.  Don't pass it off as a minor pest -
remove it to save secondary infection.  As Michael says canker is
common gaining access this way.

Removing them can be done with methalated spirits and a stiff brush if
you can get too them.  If its on a big tree, a stong jet of water may
help to distrub them.

As they make this waxy colony, they tend to shed water making it
difficult for chemical insecticides to penetrate.

Clifford
Bawtry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire

 




Thanks each.  As it happens nearly all the "colonies" of them were on twigs
which were removed in pruning but now, any others are due for a dowsing in
meths.

Regards

Geoff