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apple parasite #848532

Asked September 04, 2023, 12:41 PM EDT

Could you diagnose what parasite is affecting my apples? I cut out the damage and eat the rest which is delicious. Also, what can I spray to prevent it? Neem oil with soap solution sprayed after bud drop? Any advice is appreciated.

Washtenaw County Michigan

Expert Response

It looks like a combination of apple maggot and codling moth (possibly oriental fruit moth). Neem oil will not control these pests.

We have a lot of information available for commercial growers, but it involves monitoring, using online growing degree day models, timing sprays from biofix points, and using chemicals that home gardeners don't have access to. The best information I have currently for home gardeners is below. I will check with my colleagues and see if I can get some specific products to recommend, and if there are any updates to this information (such as use of pheremone disruptors).

Apple spray for non-commercial growers


For more information: 

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/codling-moths

https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/codling_moth


Thank you for contacting Ask Extension! Replied September 06, 2023, 3:57 PM EDT

Bill kindly updated the article I linked you to earlier. I have attached the revised version. Below is a link to another publication that provides more details. It is from Kentucky, but relevant in Michigan.

Disease and Insect Control Programs for Homegrown Fruit in Kentucky

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension! Replied September 07, 2023, 9:58 PM EDT

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