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What is this cotton like fluff on my apple tree???

DamhahDamhah Posts: 43
in Problem solving
Hello,

What is this cotton like fluff on my apple tree???





Posts

  • Hampshire HogHampshire Hog Posts: 330
    I think scale bugs just rub them off. I'm sure someone will say if I'm wrong  :)
    "A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in."
  • DamhahDamhah Posts: 43
    Here is a zoomed version




  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    Cannot really see, but generally white fluff on Apples means American blight. Which is neither American nor a blight. It is an insect which covers itself with a waxy coating. You need to dissolve the wax before any insecticide can kill the insect. Various things. If only a few then wash them off with soapy water and a soft brush, Or wipe them over with Methylated spirits, avoid getting it on the leaves. Or use a Horticultural soft soap insecticide according to the info on the bottle.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I've had the same on my apple this year for the first time.
    I think they're woolly aphids.
    I've given mine a full-on summer prune so most of them are now composting :)


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • laurenbarker1985laurenbarker1985 Posts: 3
    They are woolly aphid. Treat with a product called Bandu https://www.agrigem.co.uk/plant-health/insecticides/trees-ornamentals/bandu-1l

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    laurenbarker1985 said:
    They are woolly aphid. Treat with a product called Bandu https://www.agrigem.co.uk/plant-health/insecticides/trees-ornamentals/bandu-1l

    £26!!!! what a ridiculous price

    Since pruning my tree, then remaining fluff has disintegrated.
    I'll give it a winter wash with Vitax tree wash

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    And who wants to eat apples from a tree sprayed with insecticides? At least Vitax is a natural ish substance.
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384
    The easiest way to control woolly aphid is to scrub them off with a bit of soapy water and a stiff brush.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    The long tailed tits have always dealt with the woolly aphids on our trees ... and provided much entertainment while doing it  :)

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • DamhahDamhah Posts: 43
    I washed it just with a strong spray of water, it flew away, lets see if it comes back.
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