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aphids on apple trees

BouleverseeBouleversee Posts: 68
in Problem solving

The new shoots of my cordon (or they  may be espalier) apple tress are infested with aphids.  Now that the fruits are forming, what can I do about this?  Is spraying with washing up liquid effective?  If not, what is safe to use,or should I just cut off the infected shoots?

Posts

  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    Weak solution of washing up liquid will be effective, or biological control with ladybird larvae will do the trick.

  • BouleverseeBouleversee Posts: 68

    Thanks, I'll try the w/u liquid.

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384

    Also check whether ants are running up the trunk as they farm the aphids and carry them around the tree to fresh young growth.  A thick band of vaseline around the trunk (above the level of any tree-tie, if it is staked) will prevent the ants from climbing up.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • FleurisaFleurisa Posts: 779

    Try using your fingers to squash the worst of them and then use your spray

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