Damaged apples - Ask Extension
Hello,
I am looking for some feedback on how to combat the damage to the apples on my Haralson tree. It's about 8-10 years old on dwarf stock, and ...
Knowledgebase
Damaged apples #813220
Asked October 04, 2022, 9:01 PM EDT
Hello,
I am looking for some feedback on how to combat the damage to the apples on my Haralson tree. It's about 8-10 years old on dwarf stock, and has consistently produced apples that are about the size of what's sold in grocery stores. Asides from providing food spikes at the beginning of spring and around Halloween, and pruning the tree and applettes in spring to give the remaining fruit room to grow, nothing else is done to the tree.
As you can see in the enclosed pictures, I'm getting what appears to be insect damage both on the inside and outside if the tree, and I would like to know what I can do to mitigate it. I already know that the translucent parts of the flesh are due to inconsistent watering.
Thank you!
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
That is probably apple maggot damage. The only sure way to protect against this insect is to bag the apples when they are very small, approximately the size of green olives. You can use fruit tree sprays but the timing and schedule are very precise. If you miss that, you may have infested apples. You need not bag every apple but only the ones you want to save. While labor intensive in the beginning, it is a one and done process. You leave the bag on and then pick the ripe apple in a bag.
Apple maggots | UMN Extension
Apple maggots | UMN Extension
Thank you for your response. Can you provide information on what kind of bag I should use, and where to purchase them?
Use plain old zip sandwich bags you purchase at the grocery store. If you click on the bagging in the link I sent you, you will receive instructions. Basically, you cut off both of the bottom corners, approximately 1/4" or so, prior to putting it on the apple. This allows the moisture in the bag to drain. I personally staple the top of the bag on either side of the stem to prevent it from coming off over the season. Then you just enjoy your bug free apples when they are ripe.