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Apple sooty blotch is caused by an overwintering fungus, which is typically found on trees or branches growing in shade and damp. It creates a splatter of dark, sooty spots all over the skin of the fruit, although the flesh isn't affected at all

Also know as American gooseberry mildew, this greyish-white powdery growth of the fungal disease Sphaerotheca mors-uvae appears on new shoots, which can become distorted and die off. The mildew also affects the upper leaf surfaces and stems of the plant, while the skin on affecte...

to the same plant. It's only a significant problem when young plants are being defoliated or you're growing specimens for a show. Bees snip out elliptical sections of leaf margins, particularly on roses, and use them to make thimble-shaped cells in their nests

, onto lower leaves where it encourages black sooty mould to grow. If left, this weakens the growth of the plant.When you brush past your plants in the greenhouse clouds of tiny white flies fill the air.Hang up yellow sticky traps to catch flying adults

growth. Check the pots daily.clematis, dahlias, chrysanthemums and other plantsspring, summer, autumnMore common garden pestsWaspsSlugsAntsCaterpillars

Left unchecked, canker can gradually spread to affect whole branches and sections of trees. Severely-infected old trees may be beyond rescue, while young trees are vulnerable to infection, particularly where other susceptible trees are growing

and fruit. Clear up infected, fallen leaves around trees. Cover fence or wall-trained trees with polythene sheet in January and February to prevent development of fungus. Alternatively, erect an open-sided 'tent' over bushes in the open garden. Mulch around

The cause of the splits is invariably irregular watering. When the tree suddenly gets a hefty drink following a period of drought, the apples quickly expand, which often leads to the skin cracking. The fruit usually produces a corky, scab-like covering, but in the case of mature ...

Any tree fruit that has been wounded by insects or is split can be infected by this fungus. If the affected fruit is still on the tree, inedible and rotten, the fungus can even spread back into the spurs. Damaged, harvested fruit can also be affected. The spores are transmitted t...

The crab apple, Malus'Golden Hornet', is loaded every year with small, amber-yellow fruit. By Christmas many have fallen to the ground, though the branches are still decked with copious amounts of fruit. They are decorative and versatile, and ideal for using in table decorations....