Producing eating quality apples can be challenging for the home gardener, due to damage caused by insects (e.g., apple maggot, codling moth, plum curculio) and fungal diseases (e.g., apple scab, cedar-apple rust, sooty blotch). Many insects damage apples when they lay their eggs in developing fruit. Insect larvae can cause additional damage as they tunnel into the fruit. Wind-borne fungal spores can land on fruit leading to infections that damage fruit, reduce fruit aesthetics, or affect long-term storage.
Although insecticide and fungicide sprays can help control insect pests and diseases, regular spraying can be inconvenient and costly for homeowners. A non-pesticide alternative for protecting fruit is to encase developing apples in bags that provide a physical barrier against insects and fungal pathogens. You will need a ladder, scissors, stapler, and Ziploc® sandwich baggies.
Fruit that you do not bag will likely be damaged from insects and disease. Blemished fruits should be removed (whether they fall to the ground or remain attached to your tree) and destroyed. Disposing of blemished fruits will help limit overwintering of insect pests and disease-causing organisms, thus reducing insect and disease problems next year.
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