Kitchen Garden Forum

A few years ago we inherited several old apples that were originally grown as cordons on our plot.

These fruit fairly well since I took them in hand and committed them to a drastic pruning regime. However each year they suffer from what I think is woolly aphid. Too much to wipe off. They seem to get into the nooks and crannies and areas where the tree bark has been damaged in the past. It's not possible to cut out the damaged bits as some are on the main trunks.

Every winter we use a vegetable oil wash but it doesn't seem to have any effect. This year we planted some new apple trees and we don't want the problem to spread to them too. I'm not totally averse to some sort of chemical control as long as it isn't too 'nasty' especially as fruits have set.

Any advice?

A strong jet of water from the hose should blast them off or at least reduce their numbers.

I agree with Marken, My trees were very badly infested at one time, it does take several years to completely get rid of them but the water jet is the easiest. Another tip I was given is metholated spirits, scrubbed off with a tooth brush but is very laborious and only effective if you can reach every bit.
Other than that it is removing the trees and burning them.

Best of luck
Beryl.

Hi Glallotments,
Treating with Methylated Spirit will not only get rid of Woolly Aphid it will kill them off. If you blast them off with water you only push them onto your neighbour and ultimately they can be pushed by your neighbour back to you. This jet of water is favoured by the Organic Fraternity and this is why it is best to be pragmatic and do the job properly.
JB.