30 Sep 2009 - Controlling apple tree pests

Several years ago when we first took the plot we inherited several old apple cordons. These had to be rediscovered in the overgrowth that soon swamps a deserted plot and were surrounded by coarse grass which each summer became overgrown and difficult to control.

 

 

Apples are often damaged by codling moth larvae burrowing in and out of the fruit. Apples and pears are also attacked by winter moth larvae and other crawling insects. So this year we decided to make a concerted effort to control the bugs and hopefully improve the quality of our fruit!

 

 

 

 

The first task, therefore was to clear around the base of these trees and try to control regrowth. The long grass not only looked untidy but would allow crawling insects to bypass any glue banding that we used and also provide an overwintering haven for pests.

 

 

 

 

 

After clearing the grass weed suppressant membrane was laid around the tree trunks. This was held in place by some of the large branches that had been cut from our hazel bushes and then covered by wood chippings.

 

 

 

Glue bands were wrapped around the tree posts as crawling insects can use these to gain access to the trees. Whoever designed glue banding didn’t really consider how messy they are to use. I ended up with fingers sticking together and being on the plot no easy way of cleaning the glue off.

 

 

Glue banding was a good option for regularly shaped posts but many of our old apples trees have very gnarled trunks making glue bands very difficult to apply. To provide a barrier around the trunks we used a special glue that is applied using a glue gun in the same way as when applying sealant was used on the trees. This, although still rather messy, wasn’t as bad as applying the glue bands. It is best to avoid application on a hot day so that the glue doesn’t become too runny.

 

The glue will hopefully provide some control of climbing insects but will have no effect on those pests that fly in. One such insect, the codling moth, causes much damage to our apples. In spring we will hang codling moth pheromone traps amongst the tree branches in order to lure the male moths to a sticky end and prevent them from mating with the females. Although some moths will no doubt bypass the traps and some burrowing larvae will be produced hopefully the traps will cut down the numbers of damaged apples. The sticky traps are placed inside an open sided box so they can be used without being detrimental to beneficial or harmless creatures.

Woolley aphid is another pest that plagues our apple trees each season. Next year as soon as I see the first signs of woolly aphid I intend to assault them with a scrubbing brush and soapy water

 

Each type of fruit tree seems to have a corresponding aphid that attacks it with vigour and causes young shots and leaves to die. The one that attacks apples is the Rosy apple aphid. To control aphids we spray our fruit trees with a plant oil based winter wash. This has worked fairly well since we started using it a few years ago. This can only be applied when the tree is fully dormant. Click here to read how we use winter wash to control plum leaf curling aphid.

 

We will have to wait and see whether our efforts bear better quality fruit! I’ll keep you informed.

 

The materials that we used are available from two of our favourite suppliers. See below

 

Harrod Horticultural & Gardening Naturally
	Glue Bands Stop winter moths, ants and other crawling insects from climbing up your fruit & ornamental trees, pesticide free & easy to use. October is the month to fit glue bands around the trunks of your fruit trees, when the band is unravelled it exposes a non-drying glue that will prevent winter moth females crawling up the trunk to lay their eggs. The product is pesticide-free and will protect up to 8 average size fruit trees and should remain in place untill early June. Harrod Horticultural Click here   Gardening Naturally Click here
Insect Barrier Glue   Stops crawling insects in the garden, greenhouse and home - deters against adult vine weevil, winter moth & ants. Simply grease band trees and pots for protection. The glue will act as a deterrent - insects normally probe it with their antennae and turn away. It is most effective on a vertical surface.   Harrod Horticultural Click here   Gardening Naturally Click here
	Codling Moth Monitor   The major cause of maggot damage to apples and pears is the caterpillar of the Codling Moth. This trap provides a warning as to if and when control measures are needed. The refill allows you to use the trap for a second season. The Codling Moth Monitor for Apple and Pear Trees can provide effective monitoring without the use of pesticides, there is no danger to other insects and it will provide moth monitoring in the garden for up to five average size trees within 15 metres of the monitors location for a complete season. Harrod Horticultural Click here   Gardening Naturally Click here
Heavy Duty Ground Cover Heavy-Duty Ground Cover is made from woven heavyweight black porous polypropylene; it can be used in glasshouses, for standing out areas and is the perfect Heavy-Duty Ground Cover for use between planting and under shingle to control weed growth. The cover is UV stabilised and will last up to 6 years in direct sunlight in Europe, but substantially longer when covered with bark, gravel or similar. Harrod Horticultural Click here   Heavy Duty 102g/m2 ground control fabric. 250mm grid markings and UV stabilised. Gardening Naturally Click here

 

Winter wash is available from Amazon - click below