Apple tree issues - Ask Extension
I am growing some apple trees. Branches were grafted onto root stock. I have two questions. 1: Today I pulled off the plastic white tubing and found s...
Knowledgebase
Apple tree issues #846557
Asked August 20, 2023, 10:11 PM EDT
I am growing some apple trees. Branches were grafted onto root stock. I have two questions. 1: Today I pulled off the plastic white tubing and found some white powder material on the tree. Hopefully you can see it in the picture. What is the white powder? Should I do something about it? 2: The trees are still very small, as you can hopefully see in the pictures. They are also not very straight. Will they straighten out as they get larger or should I be doing something to help straighten? Thanks, Bruce.
Dakota County Minnesota
Expert Response
The white substance on the trunk of your apple tree looks like wholly aphids. They have a substance on them that appears like cotton. If you leave the trunk protector off predator insects may eat the wholly aphids. Below is a link that has detailed information on wholly aphids and methods of control.
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/aphids#managing-woolly-aphids-347963
The trunks on your apple saplings may straighten as they age. If you would like to ensure they are upright you can use plan tape and a pole (like you have in the background in your photo) to secure the trunk in a vertical line.
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/aphids#managing-woolly-aphids-347963
The trunks on your apple saplings may straighten as they age. If you would like to ensure they are upright you can use plan tape and a pole (like you have in the background in your photo) to secure the trunk in a vertical line.
