Keeping apples healthy

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Ruth82, Oct 1, 2020.

  1. Ruth82

    Ruth82 Gardener

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    Hello people
    I have inherited a small apple tree and have got a decent amount of fruit from it but many are infected with 'wiggles' as I like to call them. I would guess they are fruit flies or wasps. I would like to be as environmentally friendly as possible little or no pesticides any ideas on a fix
    IMG_20201001_140809.jpg
    Yesterday's harvest ones on the left good those on the rights ok but need checking rest went to the food bin IMG_20201001_140839.jpg
    Tree with budlia growing with it through it
     
  2. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    Do you mean maggots.:smile:

    The buddleia is not doing it any favours.
     
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    • Ruth82

      Ruth82 Gardener

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      Quite possibly
      yes might have to decide whether I want fruit n veg or butterfly's or at least spread them out
       
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      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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        The holes maybe codling moth, you could try one of these next year.
        Codling Moth Trap.
         
      • Graham B

        Graham B Gardener

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        Sticky bands round the lower trunk are always a good idea. Not particularly for your problem, but there are a few beasties which hide in the ground and migrate up the tree. They're also useful for aphids, not for stopping the bugs themselves, but for stopping ants harvesting the aphids which in turn gives everything else a clear run at them.

        In my case, most of the duff apples were the result of aphids, black mould spots, and general tree unhealthiness. Pruning in winter to open up the centre of the tree, and then trimming all the weak new shoots a couple of times during the year, were the big wins for me.

        I kind of accept that there are good odds of garden fruit having "occupants" though. For fruit from the garden, I always slice it into quarters before I eat it, instead of just biting into it. Much less chance of finding half a worm that way!
         
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        • Ruth82

          Ruth82 Gardener

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          Thanks I'll give that a try I always cut up first just incase or just use the good looking half still makes a decent pie or crumble yum
           
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