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What is this 'thready' growth on my new apple tree leaves?

bonnie102bonnie102 Posts: 12
in Fruit & veg
I have had these trees since March this year and had a lovely blossom time on them. Just recently I have noticed the 'thready' thing on the leaves. The leaves are dropping off quite rapidly with no help from me! Does anyone know what I should do? They are growing in enormous barrel type pots and they are in John Innes No: 3 as suggested by my seller.
Thank you x

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Possibly leaf miner.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    edited August 2021
    Yes, likely Lyonetia clerkella (Apple Leaf Miner Moth):
    They don't cause any significant damage (other than aesthetically) and don't affect the fruit.



    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • bonnie102bonnie102 Posts: 12
    Thank you for the replies....I just googled and found a 'remedy' of a mix of vegetable oil washing up liquid and warm water to spray on the leaves.... I will give that a go and see if it's helpful,
    Thanks again x
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    That will only work if you catch them at exactly the right time in their breeding cycle.  The best thing to do is wait and collect and dispose of all the fallen leaves when they drop for winter.  Many fruit tree pests overwinter in the leaf-litter beneath the tree, so collecting those up will reduce the number of leaves affected next year.  Don't compost the leaves though, burn or put them in a suitable type of council bin (eg garden waste, if you have one.)
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • bonnie102bonnie102 Posts: 12
    Excellent! Thank you so much for your help, I love this forum! lol
    xx
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