Knowledgebase
What are these spots on my peaches and apples? #873819
Asked June 19, 2024, 4:16 PM EDT
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