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What are these spots on my peaches and apples? #873819

Asked June 19, 2024, 4:16 PM EDT

My peach tree has been established for several years and I have never before encountered these markings on the growing peaches. About half of the trees peaches have them. Could you please tell me what they are and if I should treat the tree with something so I can keep it healthy and be able to eat the peaches when they have ripened. My apple tree that is next to it has these sticky web like white patches on the branches and has not done this before. There is no fruit on the tree but I would like to know what these white sticky patches are and how to safely treat this. Thank you for any help or recommendations that you have!

Douglas County Colorado

Expert Response

Hi Lisa,

I'm sorry to hear about your trees!

The apple trees look like they are infested with Woolly Apple Aphids--these aphids are covered with waxy threads, giving them a characteristic white, fuzzy look.

Aphids are often well controlled by natural enemies, but dormant horticultural oil applications or other pesticides can be needed in heavy infestations.  This fact sheet covers some control options and life history of woolly apple aphids (and other aphids that are found in woody plants): https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/aphids-on-shade-trees-and-ornamentals-5-511/

For the peach, from what I can see in the photo you may be dealing with peach powdery mildew or with insects like plant bugs or thrips, whose feeding on immature fruits can cause dead sunken areas on developing fruits.  If powdery mildew, you should be able to see (eventually) white threads of fungus growing on the fruit surface.  Plant bugs would not cause this, but you might be able to see individual wounds at or near the center of the sunken area, or even catch the insects in the act.  Thrips are tiny insects, and you would be likely able to see them if you shake the affected fruits over a piece of white paper (and then look for "moving dust").

This resource from Utah State provides a great overview of peach problems in backyard orchards that you might find useful: https://extension.usu.edu/planthealth/ipm/notes_ag/fruit-list-peach

I hope this is helpful!

Cordially,

John


An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 20, 2024, 1:13 PM EDT

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