Apple Tree Questions - Ask Extension
Hello,
We bought a home this winter that has multiple apple trees (honeycrisp and we do not remember the other ones). We are not very familiar wi...
Knowledgebase
Apple Tree Questions #879291
Asked July 29, 2024, 3:59 PM EDT
Hello,
We bought a home this winter that has multiple apple trees (honeycrisp and we do not remember the other ones). We are not very familiar with apple trees, but would love to learn and help them produce as many healthy apples as they can!
Attached are some photos - many of the apples are deformed / have these dots on them. I am not aware of any moths hanging around the trees but it is very possible. Photos were taken a couple of months ago.
A couple of the branches are also discolored. Someone said maybe a calcium deficiency?
We did not do any sprays for the trees this year, trying a natural approach. Moving forward, I think some form of pest control will necessary. What would your recommend? How do we prevent the insects and help out these branches?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
The apples in your photo likely have been impacted by plum curculio. It is a weevil that lays eggs in the apple, causing the dimples. This occurs right after petal drop when the fruit is just forming. Cultural control, picking up all dropped fruits, leaves, branches, this fall, is helpful for control. In the spring you can place apple nylons or baggies (with a small hole cut for water to drain out) around the new fruit as a method to control. Chemical control is also an option. Insecticide, that notes it controls the weevil, following petal drop and twice more, every 10 - 14 days, is needed. Always follow package instructions and know there can be an impact on pollinators. Here is a link about the plum curculio.
https://extension.psu.edu/tree-fruit-insect-pest-plum-curculio
The dark areas on the trunk looks like canker. This could be from damage or disease. I would recommend contacting a local tree care company and ask for a consultation with a certified arborist. They will be able to assess the full tree and let you know what, if anything is going on and next steps, if needed. Below is a link to growing apple trees in Minnesota. It includes a calendar of what care is needed throughout the season.
https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-apples
https://extension.psu.edu/tree-fruit-insect-pest-plum-curculio
The dark areas on the trunk looks like canker. This could be from damage or disease. I would recommend contacting a local tree care company and ask for a consultation with a certified arborist. They will be able to assess the full tree and let you know what, if anything is going on and next steps, if needed. Below is a link to growing apple trees in Minnesota. It includes a calendar of what care is needed throughout the season.
https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-apples