AT A GLANCE
Where does the white coating on the leaves of the apple tree come from?
Are the entire leaves and whole shoots of a white Coating covered, is this the fungus caused apple powdery mildew. If a dark spot can be seen through the white flour dust, the floury apple aphid has nested.
How does the white apple powdery mildew develop on the leaves?
The causative agent of apple powdery mildew, a harmful fungus with the Latin name Podosphaera leucotricha, hibernates in the terminal buds the shoots of the apple tree and infected in the spring the newly sprouting Leaves:
- The leaves remain narrower and point steeply upwards.
- The affected flowers wither and die.
- White, mealy spots appear on the foliage.
- The fruits are small and covered with a rusty web.
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At the beginning of July, the fungus penetrates the terminal buds again and survives the winter there.
How can I combat apple powdery mildew?
It is advisable even before budding all Cut back affected shoot tips and dispose of in household waste. You can recognize these by the narrower, somewhat wrinkled buds whose scales are not tight as usual.
With the right location and the choice of resistant apple varieties you can effectively prevent an infestation. The so-called Re-varieties are considered resistant, such as:
- reka,
- Retina,
- regine,
- Rewena.
A control of apple powdery mildew with fungicides, which always interfere with the ecosystem, is advisable at best in years of very heavy infestation.
What lies behind the fluffy coverings on the apple tree
The mealy one apple aphid (Dysaphis plantaginea) works at first glance like a tender powder puff on the Scroll. The abdomen of the pink or greyish colored animals is protected by a white layer of wax, which creates this impression.
The leaves occupied by the pests curl up towards the middle rib or from the tip due to the sucking activity. Since the fruits cripple (louse apples), there are high yield losses.
How can I get rid of the apple aphid?
The most effective way to prevent infestation is to settlement the very efficient one Encourage opponents of the apple aphid.
These include:
- ladybug,
- lacewing larvae,
- hoverfly larvae,
- predatory bugs,
- birds.
Also remove all affected leaves in the spring and dispose of them in the household waste. This also applies to weeds in the garden, since the apple aphid, for example, migrates to many plantain species.
To protect beneficial insects, no insecticides should be used in the home garden to combat apple aphids.
Tip
Taking care of the tree grate keeps the apple tree healthy
Since the growth of the tree disc competes with the apple tree, it should remain unplanted. Thinly cover the free area with grass clippings, this reduces evaporation and provides additional nutrients. Remove that mulch(€27.00 at Amazon*) again in late autumn so that no pests or mice overwinter in the loose material.
