Apples and disease help wanted

N9eav

This years spring has seen my apple trees look the best they have ever been. Full of potential apples for the autumn.

However it seems that most years they either split, get black spots all over them or just drop off. Why and can I stop that happening?

Kered

it could be something as simple as a nutriant/moisture problem.

you may need to lay down some well rotted manure round the root area and keep it moist.

Lotus-eater

N9eav wrote: »

This years spring has seen my apple trees look the best they have ever been. Full of potential apples for the autumn.

However it seems that most years they either split, get black spots all over them or just drop off. Why and can I stop that happening?

We need to know more about the tree.
Rootstock?
How old?
How big?
Where it's planted?
What apple variety is it?

gardenroute

Kered's right its sounds like a moisture and/or nutrient problem. If it's planted in a lawn then it would be worth carefully lifting/spraying the grass around the tree and giving it a feed and a heavy mulch.
An apple tree will take nutrients and water from the fruits to keep itself healthy for the next year.
The black spots could be caused by a lack of calcium known as bitter pit.

jsh99

These people are really helpful - http://www.brogdalecollections.co.uk/brogdale-identification.html


Need advice on why your fruit tree stopped growing, how to prune a fruit tree or ways of preventing pests from eating your fruit crop? Now’s your chance to consult an expert from The National Fruit Collection for free. You can call on 01795 536250 (normal call rates) any Friday afternoon between 2-4.30pm. The line will be manned by fruit enthusiasts who will give free advice on growing, planting and pests. When calling you also get the chance to free membership of the Friends of the National Fruit Collection at Brogdale!
For any queries please contact 01795 536250 or email: [EMAIL="sallyroger@brogdalecollections.co.uk"]enquiries@brogdalecollections.co.uk[/EMAIL].

N9eav

Lotus-eater wrote: »

We need to know more about the tree.
Rootstock?
How old?
How big?
Where it's planted?
What apple variety is it?

I am afraid I don't know much about the tree. I planted it 8 years ago. I don't recall the variety or root stock. Its planted in the lawn area to create an orchard. I think it was a larger root stock type

annie123

you have apple scab ( not you personally! but the tree of course )

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=81

You must clear away all the leaves from the tree in the autumn, you need to break the cycle and follow the advice in the above link.

N9eav

annie123 wrote: »

you have apple scab ( not you personally! but the tree of course )

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=81

You must clear away all the leaves from the tree in the autumn, you need to break the cycle and follow the advice in the above link.

Looks about right.

I hope the cold winter and dry spring will have helped, but i think I may try and find the fungicide it recommends.. There is a great crop this year and I don't want it ruined.

Cheers

[Deleted User]

wait for the june drop and be prepared to lose quite a few. I think a lot of trees are stressed this year and the birds are going mad picking at the apple trees as well (I am surrounded by an apple orchard)

valk_scot

N9eav wrote: »

Looks about right.

I hope the cold winter and dry spring will have helped, but i think I may try and find the fungicide it recommends.. There is a great crop this year and I don't want it ruined.

Cheers

I've got apple scab on my trees and the above advice to clear up every last fallen leaf and windfall is spot on. That's where the fungus overwinters so the more you can get rid of the better. Don't put any of the apple tree debris in the compost bin either. And prune off any very low or trailing branches next spring.

There will be a mid summer drop of apples as the tree self-thins but don't worry about this. In fact give it a little extra help if it's very crowded. You're better off with three good apples in a truss than five misshapen small ones. I thin my apples to half the original crop and I've still got more than I know what to do with.