Knowledgebase

What’s wrong with my Apple tree #942484

Asked August 15, 2026, 10:59 AM EDT

We have had a honey crisp apple tree for about 10 years. It finally produced apples after about 5 years. However, the apples are not good. We have tried spraying over the years but the apples keep looking horrible like there are bugs in them. I’m attaching a photo. Thank you for any help you can give.

Scott County Minnesota

Expert Response

Based upon what we can see in the photo, most of the damage to the fruits has been caused by insects called plum and/or apple curculios.  

The following publications discuss the life cycle of these pests and how to reduce or eliminate the damage they cause.

https://blog-fruit-vegetable-ipm.extension.umn.edu/2024/08/apple-curculio-lesser-known-orchard-pest.html

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/plum-curculio/

Go here if you prefer a video version of this information:
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If you watch the video, note the links to information about two other insects that commonly damage apples in Minnesota: codling moth and apple maggot.

Bagging apples is a non-chemical way to reduce insect damage:

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bagging-apples-for-insect-and-disease-control/ 

In addition to insect and disease control, thinning will help improve fruit quality.
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An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 15, 2026, 1:14 PM EDT

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