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Dusty substance all over my apple tree

janntimsonjanntimson Posts: 54
in Problem solving
Basically my apple tree has this greyish dust type stuff all over it. It wipes off easily and is actually pretty much all over the tree but particularly noticable on the little fruits. There's a handful of yellow diseased looking leaves too which I've pulled off. Seems like powdery mildew is the only thing it could be? Doesn't seem to fit though as the entire tree is lightly affected as opposed to just one area. Anyone got any ideas? If it is powdery mildew any ways I can get rid? Thanks  :)

Posts

  • janntimsonjanntimson Posts: 54
    Sure. Some photos attached  :)
  • foxwalesfoxwales Posts: 69
    Powdery mildew and your young shoots are infested with aphids.  Both of these will seriously impact the growth of any shoots as they form.  Get rid of the aphids.  

    There isn't much you can do for powdery mildew, but plants lacking in water can be susceptible.  You may see new leaves contort as they grow.  I spray anything with powdery mildew with a milk and water mix but do it when full sun is on the plant.  Any milk will do.

    Keep up a regular watering schedule and feed it every week/fortnight, the larger it gets, the more it will better cope with mildew.  

    Mulch heavy around the base also.
  • janntimsonjanntimson Posts: 54
    Oh good God I can actually see that from the picture now you say it :( How is it I can see it with picture but not my own eyes. Time to get spraying and order some ladybird larvae... what proportion of milk to water would you use and roughly how much would you spray on? Is it something that will keep coming back year after year or can I do anything to stop it returning next year? 
  • foxwalesfoxwales Posts: 69
    I do two parts water to one milk.  Spray the everything so it's soaking, make sure it's a dry sunny day.  As it dries I think the proteins in the milk must do something.  I use it on my scabious and does the job well.

    Plants are more prone to it if water stressed, so try to keep up a regular watering schedule.  As it gets older it will be able to take care of itself better.  Spores can survive year after year
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