Question about how to prevent damage to apples - Ask Extension
Hello, I have a small group of apple trees that I planted about six years ago that are now starting to produce very nicely. I believe the varieties a...
Knowledgebase
Question about how to prevent damage to apples #885554
Asked September 17, 2024, 11:44 AM EDT
Hello, I have a small group of apple trees that I planted about six years ago that are now starting to produce very nicely. I believe the varieties are Kinderkrisp and Sweet Sixteen. For the last several years the Kinderkrisp have grown beautiful apples but by the end of August they have small holes in them and are often misshapen in a way that looks like it's caused by the holes. The apples are great tasting, but we have to eat around the spots / holes in them. Can you help me figure out what's causing these holes and spots, and tell me how to prevent them next year? My wife and I would like to try and keep sprays and treatments as natural as possible, but if a stronger spray or treatment is required to eliminate what's causing the holes we are open to that too. Please see pictures I've attached. Thank you for the help!
Wright County Minnesota
Expert Response
The apples shown appear to have been affected by sooty blotch, apple scab, apple maggot and plum curculio. The damage is similar to that shown here:
https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=372504
Sooty blotch is superficial. Much of it can be removed with a light scrubbing.
Most general orchard sprays combine insecticide and fungicide to control these pests and disease. But the chemicals must be applied consistently according to label instructions to get good results.
Apple bagging is a way to prevent pest and disease damage without spraying:
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bagging-apples-for-insect-and-disease-control/
Otherwise consider these options:
https://conservancy.umn.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/ec31340c-0611-4f09-abe3-fd2bb03c7484/content
https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=372504
Sooty blotch is superficial. Much of it can be removed with a light scrubbing.
Most general orchard sprays combine insecticide and fungicide to control these pests and disease. But the chemicals must be applied consistently according to label instructions to get good results.
Apple bagging is a way to prevent pest and disease damage without spraying:
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bagging-apples-for-insect-and-disease-control/
Otherwise consider these options:
https://conservancy.umn.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/ec31340c-0611-4f09-abe3-fd2bb03c7484/content