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in : Problems: Fruit & nuts
Congregations of fluffy, white, waxy aphids cause localised swellings on branches. If the swellings split open in winter, infections can set in.
White, waxy, sap-feeding aphids colonise cracks, crevices and pruning cuts on the bark of apple trees in the second half of spring. They then spread to new growth and create soft swellings. If the bulges split open in frosty weather, infections, such as canker, can set in.
Blast off the fluffy, sticky aphid mass with a high-speed jet of water. This won't cure the problem long-term but deals with the aphids in the short-term.
Spray the tree with thiacloprid the moment you spot any aphids. Small numbers are far more easily tackled than large, rapidly multiplying infestations.
ILOVEBEES 24/11/2011 at 15:29
Before using thiacloprid, imidacloprid, acetamocloprid or any other neonicotinoid pesticide, I recommed visiting the Buglife website, to read their report summarising independent research on neonicotinoids. They kill bees & other non-target insects - eg. butterflies etc. Miniscule amounts impair the ability of insect to function resulting inevitably in death. Also, seek out the fact sheets from the US environment agency -you may get a shock! We used to manage without them & can now.
