bugs on apple tree - Ask Extension
I have one apple tree, a hybrid with four kinds of apples. It's about 10 feet tall. I planted it three years ago. This is the first time I've seen any...
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bugs on apple tree #829655
Asked May 12, 2023, 11:03 AM EDT
I have one apple tree, a hybrid with four kinds of apples. It's about 10 feet tall. I planted it three years ago. This is the first time I've seen any bugs on it. Photos are included. Most of them appear to be on a top branch, but these were on a lower branch. Also, the apple production seems to be lower this year than in the past. Is my tree in danger? I don't use pesticides in my yard. Please advise!
Washington County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi- we cannot clearly see the insects but assume they are aphids based on the leaf symptoms (curling, cupping, distortion).
Rosy apple aphids and green apple aphids are two of the more common species that feed on apple foliage.
Wooly apple aphid is less prevalent in home orchards but there has been an uptick as a result of the egg-laying injury to apple shoots caused by the 17-year periodical cicadas in 2021.
Natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) help keep aphid populations in check:
Sometimes insecticidal soap or horticultural oil sprays are warranted.
It is difficult to grow apples organically because they are vulnerable to numerous insect pests and diseases.
You may have fewer apples this year for many different reasons, including temperature extremes, freezing weather when flowers were open, and poor pollination.
Apple information: Jon
Rosy apple aphids and green apple aphids are two of the more common species that feed on apple foliage.
Wooly apple aphid is less prevalent in home orchards but there has been an uptick as a result of the egg-laying injury to apple shoots caused by the 17-year periodical cicadas in 2021.
Natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) help keep aphid populations in check:
Sometimes insecticidal soap or horticultural oil sprays are warranted.
It is difficult to grow apples organically because they are vulnerable to numerous insect pests and diseases.
You may have fewer apples this year for many different reasons, including temperature extremes, freezing weather when flowers were open, and poor pollination.
Apple information: Jon
Hi, Jon. Thanks for the information. I'm pretty sure my tree has rosy apple aphids. I can see a clump of curled leaves on a branch at the top of the tree. From what I found in one place lower down (the leaves I pulled off to photograph) I'm sure that clump is full of aphids. If I cut off the affected part, will that help? And if I do nothing, will the aphids eventually kill my little tree?
Hi- it's fine to cut and remove leaves heavily infested with aphids. Check every few days for signs of predatory insects feeding on the aphids and signs of parasitism- aphids that are distended, tan-brown in color, and not moving. You may see holes in these aphid mummies where ting wasps have emerged after feeding internally as larvae inside the aphids. It is unlikely that the aphid feeding will weaken your tree.
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/aphids-trees-and-shrubs
Jon
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/aphids-trees-and-shrubs
Jon
