"Glenallan" wrote ..
"Bob Hobden" wrote
The mites are the larvae of a moth that can't fly and that climbs up the
trunk of the tree to lay it's eggs. So you need to put a grease band
around the tree to trap the females by this autumn to protect the buds
for next year, it's already too late for this years crop I'm afraid.
Also make sure you don't let infected apples lay on the ground around the
tree.

My research on toxic fumes from busy roads has shown that it is only a
problem quite close to a motorway and that it washes off.

Hi Bob,
Shifting infected apples I can cope with. How about the grease trap.
What kind of grease would you recommend.?? Maybe someone could
give me the detail on this. Thanks.

I think others have although I would say that you paint on works better than
the pregreased paper bands you tie on, I found the moth could get under the
paper if the trunk was old and knarled.


My apples haven't actually burst forth yet. Isn't it possible that in
these Northern climes I can actually save them. ?

Afraid not, the moths climb up in the autumn to lay eggs on the buds so they
are already there.

You have re-assured me about the 'toxic fumes,

Had a similar problem with a local allotment right next to the busiest part
of the M25. Looking at all the research and getting copies of papers done on
it shows it's not really a problem and reduces drastically after a few
yards. Indeed it's dust from the tyres that is the worst pollutant.
The Soil Association told me they have no rules on road pollution re crops
so your expensive "Organic" produce may come from right next to the M25 etc.

--
Regards
Bob Hobden
just W. of London