Is this safe for bees - Ask Extension
I plan on planting some fuji apple trees yet do not want to spray for worms. I heard of an orchard that uses a hormone to confuse the insect that lays...
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Is this safe for bees #855109
Asked November 11, 2023, 11:46 AM EST
I plan on planting some fuji apple trees yet do not want to spray for worms. I heard of an orchard that uses a hormone to confuse the insect that lays larva in apples so it leaves the apples alone. Is this harmful to the bees?
How would you recommend keeping my apple worm free?
Linn County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Allison,
Apples take time to care for them ranging from pruning to pest and disease control. The main issues you will deal with for apples in the Willamette Valley are codling moths, apple maggots, and scab. This publication from OSU Extension, "Managing Diseases and Insects in Home Orchards" will help you understand the timing of control.
This information is from Cornell University Extension, "Disease Susceptibility Ranking of Apples". Their research shows that Fuji is prone to scab and leaf spots. That is something to take into consideration. You will want to take measures to control these fungal diseases.
I think you might be talking about a mating disruption pheromone. This treatment is not recommended for orchards less than 3 acres in size.
Here is a paper from UC Davis IPM program on "Codling Moth: Pest Management Guidelines". There are organic allowed substances to be sprayed. This publication has a list of allowed products and when to spray. This publication also notes whether or not a product is toxic to bees.
This next information is from University of Vermont Extension, "Practical Guide for Organic Apple Production". It contains a wealth of information and further links.
Like I said at the beginning, apples take time. How you management them is a personal decision and a reflection of how much time you can allot to them. The above publications will give you the information to make an educated decision. Fortunately, you chose to become better informed before planting the trees.
Apples take time to care for them ranging from pruning to pest and disease control. The main issues you will deal with for apples in the Willamette Valley are codling moths, apple maggots, and scab. This publication from OSU Extension, "Managing Diseases and Insects in Home Orchards" will help you understand the timing of control.
This information is from Cornell University Extension, "Disease Susceptibility Ranking of Apples". Their research shows that Fuji is prone to scab and leaf spots. That is something to take into consideration. You will want to take measures to control these fungal diseases.
I think you might be talking about a mating disruption pheromone. This treatment is not recommended for orchards less than 3 acres in size.
Here is a paper from UC Davis IPM program on "Codling Moth: Pest Management Guidelines". There are organic allowed substances to be sprayed. This publication has a list of allowed products and when to spray. This publication also notes whether or not a product is toxic to bees.
This next information is from University of Vermont Extension, "Practical Guide for Organic Apple Production". It contains a wealth of information and further links.
Like I said at the beginning, apples take time. How you management them is a personal decision and a reflection of how much time you can allot to them. The above publications will give you the information to make an educated decision. Fortunately, you chose to become better informed before planting the trees.
Wow Anna thanks for the info., I will hold on to it for future reference!
Maybe I should ask the question differently.
I basically have trees just for wildlife, never spray or anything.
Unfortunately I just lost 3 of my 4 apple trees.
They got too tall and were heavy with fruit and blew over.
I thought I might replant more apple trees and pick a variety I also like to eat.
I have already planted two crabapple trees in a different location because they are native but I was looking for a different variety that grows well, maybe stays a little shorter so it will be easier for me to keep trimmed.
Unfortunately with the lose of those trees it is a lose of a food source for bees and other wildlife. I am not as interested in fruit for my consumption if it requires a lot of maintenance.
Maybe there is a different variety of tree that you would suggest that grows fast and bares fruit for wildlife and is not a spreader, especially if it is not native?
Thanks,
Thanks,
Hi Allison,
I hear you on not wanting trees that are high maintenance! You could plant a different variety of apple tree that is resistant to the diseases, but you would still have the moths, but you could refrain from spraying and simply cut out the worm eaten part.
Another option is to plant something else entirely. OSU Extension published an amazing publication in 2020, "Enhancing Urban and Suburban Landscapes to Protest Pollinators". This comprehensive document details points to consider when planting pollinator plantings, how to maintain landscapes in a pollinator friendly manner, and lists of flower, shrubs, and trees which feed pollinators. It is truly an invaluable resource for someone wanting to make a difference for wildlife in their corner of the world.
I think you will enjoy perusing this publication and then choosing plants.
I hear you on not wanting trees that are high maintenance! You could plant a different variety of apple tree that is resistant to the diseases, but you would still have the moths, but you could refrain from spraying and simply cut out the worm eaten part.
Another option is to plant something else entirely. OSU Extension published an amazing publication in 2020, "Enhancing Urban and Suburban Landscapes to Protest Pollinators". This comprehensive document details points to consider when planting pollinator plantings, how to maintain landscapes in a pollinator friendly manner, and lists of flower, shrubs, and trees which feed pollinators. It is truly an invaluable resource for someone wanting to make a difference for wildlife in their corner of the world.
I think you will enjoy perusing this publication and then choosing plants.
