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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

2007 will be remembered as a very good year for wasps. But before people start complaining about their vicious stings and bad tempers, I must point out that wasps are actually our friends. After birds and spiders, they are the most important insect

wingspan is quoted as up to 75 mm across. Even though I caught the diminutive Horniman specimen in my hands, it is virtually impossible to judge insect size with any degree of accuracy unless you have a ruler to hand. I guess its span was something

.I had quite happily (and rather pompously I’m sorry to say) stated that these lovely insects were never a problem in the garden, because, although they are sap suckers, they prefer wild flowers to cultivated plants. Boy did I get that wrong. I was given

it's not legal, but I'm not aware of anyone being prosecuted for it.I attended a wildlife gardening conference recently, where one of the speakers, Jan Miller, author of Gardening for Butterflies, Bees and other benificial insects gave a presentation

Muehlenbeckia complexa that now threatens to engulf the fire-escape. It's a great place to watch insects sunning themselves on the leaves, but ne'er one ladybird larva have I seen until now.  On the other side of the fence, there is a fine wilderness of bramble

in the ground. They are mainly woodland insects, and nest in hollow trunks, branches or logs. Hence their predilection for Dulwich, the most heavily wooded part of the capital.It appears that the nest was spotted rather late in the year and a warning sign

's not confirmed how the virus is spread, but sap-sucking insects, nematodes and gardening tools, such as pruning knives, are likely contenders.Canna leaves develop pale spots and streaks, as well as a distorted, crinkly look, while flowers may also become

Hang up sticky yellow traps to catch whitefly and flying insectsPropagate houseplants, including monstera, dracaena and croton, by air layeringRepot any plants that are pot bound or getting top heavy. Tall plants are best placed in terracotta pots

sticky yellow traps to catch whitefly and flying insectsPropagate houseplantsRepot any plants that are pot bound or getting top heavyGreenhouse50 minutes for medium-sized tree Find out how to encourage clusters of fruit on your apple trees