Knowledgebase

Honeycrisp Apple tree not flowering #578595

Asked July 09, 2019, 11:19 PM EDT

I have a honeycrisp apple tree that we planted ~6 years ago. For the last 3 years it has not flowered at all, and in the first 3 years it flowered only medium to heavily the first 2 years. We have had a big problem with Japanese beetles consuming most of the leaves each year in July-Aug for the last 3-4 years. I think we are also seeing Honeycrisp Leaf Mottle Disorder (Honeycrisp Chlorosis). There may have been some caterpillar eating as well this spring, but didn't do too much damage. I've attached a few photos from the last couple years (late June time frame). We decided to put on an insect net this year a couple weeks ago to battle the beetles. It had decent new growth (~3-5") on most branches this spring. My questions are: 1) is what we're seeing likely the mottle disorder and does that affect flowering in subsequent years? 2) Does the beetle damage to the leaves cause the lack of flowering? 3) what other things can we try to get this tree to be healthier and produce fruit? Thanks for your help!

Washington County Minnesota

Expert Response

As far as I know, honeycrisp leaf mottle disorder affects juvenile plants and abates as the tree matures. Also, as far as I know, it does not affect fruit production. Read here:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/honeycrisp_leaf_yellowing_showing_up_on_michigan_apples

The Japanese beetles may be stressing the tree; the netting may help. Stressing fruit trees can affect fruit production.

But my guess is that the tree is simply not mature enough to produce fruit yet. Full size apple trees take 10 years to mature before producing. Dwarfs take 3-5, but I've seen anecdotal evidence that honeycrisps take somewhat longer. 

In the meantime, all you can do is care for the tree normally.
Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied July 10, 2019, 2:12 PM EDT

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