Weird growth on leaves of apple tree - Ask Extension
Hello. I just noticed some reddish/yellow spots on the leaves of my apple tree, and when I went to inspect it closer, I noticed a kind of gross, finge...
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Weird growth on leaves of apple tree #812428
Asked September 27, 2022, 4:36 PM EDT
Hello. I just noticed some reddish/yellow spots on the leaves of my apple tree, and when I went to inspect it closer, I noticed a kind of gross, finger-y growth on the underside of the leaf. They look like octopus tentacles. My google search didn't produce much that was helpful. What is wrong, and what should I do to remedy the problem? Thanks!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hi Naomi,
Thank you for your question.
I found this on the University on MN Extension site: https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/cedar-apple-rust#managing-rust-on-apples%2C-hawthorns%2C-and-other-plants-in-the-rosaceae-family-1172760
- Cedar-apple rust and related rust fungi need plants from two plant families to complete their life cycle; Cupressaceae family (eastern red cedar and other junipers) and Rosaceae (apple, hawthorn, serviceberry).
Are there any cedar or juniper trees near the apple tree? See the pictures here https://morningchores.com/cedar-apple-rust/ to see if cedar/junipers may have the fungus growing on them. As you read through this article you will see that you need to treat the cedar/juniper to stop the fungus.
