Apple Tree Problem

**Martin H** · 19-06-2016, 07:35 PM

The curling looks like it's because of aphids. The beetle is actually a young ladybird, one of the good guys because it likes eating aphids.

I don't know what the brown spots on the leaves are, though. I expect an expert will be along soon.

**veggiechicken** · 19-06-2016, 07:38 PM

Hi, Nice to meet you!
The "beetle" is a ladybird larvae - one of the good guys!
Have you uncurled any of the leaves to see if there's anything living inside - like aphids or spiders?

Snap - Martin

**Guest** · 19-06-2016, 07:44 PM

The aphids may have gone you have a lot of shed skins on the leaves but can't see any live ones. How much of the tree has the spots of the leaves and are there any spots on any of the fruitlets?

**FB.** · 19-06-2016, 08:56 PM

First two pictures show aphid damage. Apples and roses are very attractive to aphids. If you spray to get rid of the aphids you will risk poisoning friendly insects (including bees who feed on aphid excrement) and small birds (who feed on aphids).
A strong and healthy apple tree will tolerate aphid attack. As the season progresses the predators will remove the aphids and the tree will start to grow normally again, although the damaged leaves may fall off.

The third picture looks like scab. It's a common problem, especially on well-known varieties. If it's not affecting the fruit I wouldn't worry. If it's affecting the fruit I would see how things go for a couple of seasons before deciding whether it's worth keeping the tree or planting a more resistant one in its place.
Even very resistant varieties can sometimes get a bit of scab if conditions are ideal.

The last picture is a ladybird larva. It will be eating the aphids. Your aphid problem should soon disappear (until next spring).

**Ancient Mariner** · 19-06-2016, 09:01 PM

Thanks to all for the responses, pleased to know it is a Ladybird larvae , seen a few adults around and know them to be aphid eaters ,. I must admit I have not seen any Aphids on the tree , but given the amount of rain we have had here in Portsmouth over the last week , Noah might put in an appearance!! I have not noticed any spots on the fruit yet , but I will take a closer look tomorrow if we are not enjoying the deluge.

Best regards
Ancient mariner

**Benjino** · 20-06-2016, 04:10 PM

hi!
i have the same problem with my young apple and cherry tree. the cherry tree isnt to bad this year, thank god, but the last 2 years, all the new shoots have been covered in black fly, it is so annoying, as it spoiled all the fruit. this year the apple tree is quite bad, it looks exactly like the pictures you posted, op. as i try to garden as organic as possible, i dont like using sprays.
someone told me the once, the only other option is to blast them off with a hosepipe....

you might say goodby to all your fruit as well though. im just letting mine do their thing for now, im hoping, as the trees mature, it wont be so much of a problem anymore!

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