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Apple questions #813372

Asked October 06, 2022, 10:11 AM EDT

1. Please identify the two apples. 2. Can you tell me why these apples are lumpy? All my trees are producing these lumpy apples. They have never done this before, can you please help identify what might be causing this?

Luce County Michigan

Expert Response

There are many different insects that could cause this symptom on your apples and trying to figure it out solely based on pictures will be challenging. I can give you some options and then if you do some more investigating, perhaps you will be able to figure out the cause on your own. One of the most common insect pests in Michigan to cause "lumpy" apples is an insect called the Apple Maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella). The lumpiness is caused by the tunneling of the immature stage (maggot). If you cut into the apple, you might be able to find their tunnels. See this MSU Extension page for more information: https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/apple_maggot

Another possibility would be feeding from insect like stink bugs (Hemiptera, pentatomidae). Stink bugs and their relatives the plant bugs (Miridae), sometimes pierce the skin of apples and cause a dimpling of the surface. You can read more about them here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/look_a_like_late_season_apple_damage
An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 10, 2022, 7:04 AM EDT

Thank you for the information, I will be checking the sites you mentioned.

On 10/10/22 7:04 AM, Ask Extension wrote:
The Question Asker Replied October 10, 2022, 10:24 AM EDT

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