Question:
My Gravenstein Apple tree has been pruned and treated with Horticultural Oil, Copper, and Malathion. Last year, the tree had an infestation of worms in the apples. When and with what should I spray the tree to prevent a recurrence?Answer:
- Horticultural Oil and Copper Fungicide are today’s dormant sprays. But WOW, Malathion is really "Old School.”
- However, the application of Malathion was ineffective and unnecessary as it's a contact spray meant for active sucking insects. The larvae of the Coddling Moth, the cause of wormy apples, are chewing insects and are not present yet.
- I would apply Beneficial Nematodes (BN) to the soil in late March. The BN will help control the overwintering pests in the ground before they emerge from the ground as adults.
- Prevent unnecessary spraying by hanging pheromone traps in the tree for Coddling Moths, available at your favorite garden center.
- Once seventy-five percent of the apple blossoms have dropped, the developing apples are susceptible to infection. The adult moth lays eggs on the fruit that hatch and burrow into the fruits, causing the wormy apples.
- These traps will attract adult moths. Next, monitor the traps weekly, and when the traps attract six to ten months, spray with Captain Dead Bug Brew, the organic pesticide Spinosad. You should make two applications one week apart.
- A point often forgotten is monitoring and refreshing the traps with new attractants is essential throughout the summer.
- Coddling Moths are mobile and don’t respect property lines, so multiple infestations can occur.
- One final thought: everything isn't lost with wormy apples. The apples are still edible. Just remove the damaged areas.
- Here is a link for more detailed information on Wormy Apples and Coddling Moths. Coddling Moths are also problematic with Pear, Asian Pear, and Walnuts https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7412.html
Question:
After the last storm, I checked on the new artichoke plants I planted this fall. The center of one plant appears black and sooty, and many healthy ants are crawling over its leaves. I also noticed signs of a small creature chewing on the leaves. I'm concerned about using pesticides on a vegetable I plan to eat. What should I do?Answer:
- Artichokes often suffer from Black Aphid infestations.
- These sap-sucking insects secrete a clear, sticky substance that grows a Black Mold. It is a food source for ants; hence, ants frequently move Aphids between plants. By removing the Aphids, you can also deter the ants.
- Using insecticidal soap is an effective and safe method to eliminate Aphids, or you can rinse them off with a strong stream of water. Regardless of your approach, persistence is key; if you become complacent, both Aphids and ants will return.
- For the chewing insects, I’d sprinkle Sluggo Plus, an organic bait that’s safe around edibles, pets, and kids. Snails, Slugs, and Earwigs are known to be pests.