Apples - the effect of Mites
I wonder how often you have seen symptoms like this on a young apple tree, or vine, or other plant: (click on the picture for a magnified view)
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Looking under the leaves reveals no sign of any insects, but obviously something is wrong. The leaves are malformed, and are probably dry and brittle.
If you had a microscope, you would observe the presence of tiny mites. They have voracious appetites. Those with keen eyes may just see them with the naked eye on a bright day.
The treatment is very simple - spray an insecticide, daily, on the growing point, for about a week.
Certain varieties of apple, and certain plants, are attacked much more readily than others. It's worse in dry weather. The plants are also more susceptible if they are under the shade of a larger tree or near a hedge, which often supplies the 'infection' in the first place. If your young tree is in a pot, move it away before spraying it, and if you have space, put it somewhere else.
Here are the same trees, ten days later, after treatment. Notice the difference- see the vigorous young growth.
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compiled by Nigel Deacon / Diversity website / May 2010
