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Apple crop has failed

TriciaBTriciaB Posts: 37
in Fruit & veg
This year we will not get a crop from our apple tree. Most of the fruit is small and distorted and even the apples which have managed to grow to a reasonable size are rotting on the tree. I am picking up fallers and will have to dispose of most of the apples which are still on the tree. I was going to put them on the compost heap but wondered if this would be a good idea if they have a disease. I would be grateful for some advice. Usually we spray to avoid codling moth but for various reasons didn't do so this year. Might this have caused the problem?

Posts

  • rowlandscastle444rowlandscastle444 Posts: 2,612
    We have had two successive very good crops of apples. This year is noticeably reduced, and with many apples smaller and some also deformed. I removed a number two days ago, and have cut out the bad bits. Stewed what was left, and have 10lbs of stewed apple for the winter. 
    The bad bits I wrapped up and put in the wheelie bin for garden refuse, rather than my compost heap, just in case. But I realise not everyone has this option.
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Put any diseased apples in the bin or incinerate.  Codling moth eat the core of the apple and then leave a hole in the apple as the  larve leave it to pupate.  Putting up pheromone traps which are specific rather than spraying insecticide which also kills beneficial insects is the way to go.
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