Three methods to tackle Woolly Aphids - Have I found A Solution? Pear Tree| Pear Midge| Re-grafting

Three methods to tackle Woolly Aphids - Have I found A Solution? Pear Tree| Pear Midge| Re-grafting|
On my Espalier Apple tree in our garden at home I noticed a localised infestation of Woolly Aphids recently - not something I get frequently but you need to act swiftly to manage this pest. I use three methods of management i.e.: pruning, brushing with methylated spirits, and using a Flit Sprayer with soap and neem oil emulsion. Down at the Micro-Orchard, I have been considering some further plans to tackle the problems caused by Pear Midge and leaf blister mite - and this is to re-graft the trees with the Pear Variety 'Concorde' as this appears to have resistance to the midge and some to the blister mite. Its an ongoing project and I will update accordingly.
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[@kath-phlox]

I've never seen woolly aphids before. Your work on those pear trees is amazing. I'm a small garden grower and have never seen anything like that. Thanks.

[@cumbrianhomestead]

Hello kath Thanks so much for your very kind comments! Glad you found the video helpful. Best wishes 👍👍👍

[@EssayonsFG]

Thanks for this information, Woody and sorry about your aphid infestation. It has to be harder combatting pests as a plot holder or on smaller properties. Hope your solutions beat back the pest pressure. Cheers, Rob

[@NazarHNasir]

That is a great video which will help a lot of people. Thanks for sharing all these valuable information.

[@cumbrianhomestead]

Hello Nazar Thank you for your kind comments my good friend. very best wishes :-)

[@mrspea8802]

Thanks for this Woody. It’s so helpful seeing how you approach issues using trials and observation. I was noting a similar thing with canker on one of my apples varieties. Sometimes you just have to go with survival of the fittest!

[@cumbrianhomestead]

Oh that is nice feedback my friend! Yes I think you're right about survival of the fittest😉, it's all very well wanting to grow well known varieties, but if the conditions are against you, it needs rethinking. Take care and best wishes to you. 👍👍👍

[@BenniLkitchengarden]

Interesting content, Woody Sorry for the odd aphid damages on the espaliered apple tree. I have never seen something like that. I hope your 3 ways solutions pay back. It is important to examine the fruit trees from time to time. Great observation and solution on the pear tree, as the Concorde pear seem to be resistant and clean and nice. Concorde is my favorite pear to eat. Thanks for the video, my friend.

[@cumbrianhomestead]

Thank you Benni, your kind words are most welcome and I'm glad you found the video interesting. I like the Concorde pear too, so I'm hoping that regrafting will provide a solution. Have a great evening my friend :-)

[@PrairiePlantgirl]

I hope these solutions will work out for you. It all seems like good thinking

[@cumbrianhomestead]

Thanks PPG, I hope it works because the pests are really bad again this year. Best wishes 👍

[@BobMelsimpleliving.]

Wow those are a real pest. They seem to be similar to what we call mealybugs. I have had a little problem with them. Treated it with isopropyl alcohol. Worked pretty well. Best wishes Bob.

[@cumbrianhomestead]

Morning Bob, Glad to hear that you were able to resolve the bug problem buddy! Have a great day my friend :-)

[@billvalsallotments5915]

Hi woody there must be something in the genetics of the concord pear that's helping it , and if you think it's best to cut out the other branches it's got to be worth it, That's a bad infestation you have hope one of the treatments work my friend. Keep safe Bill and val

[@cumbrianhomestead]

Yes I think you're right about the possibility of some genetic advantage in the Concord pear - I'll probably start with one tree and see how that goes (provided I can get enough scion wood). I will keep the espalier under close observation and treat again if needed. Have a great day guys and ATB ;-)

[@SouthpawDavey]

Never seen that hope its sorted. Great extra use for the wives toothbrush ;-) Seems all the pests and diseases are running rife this year.. Wonder if thats why the concord is such a common pear to grow if its so resistant. Hope the new variety is also resistant. Cheere.

[@cumbrianhomestead]

It's not been a regular pest on my trees, but it crops up now and again. Yeh, I think the large temperature fluctuations might be something to do with them multiplying so quickly. I like the Williams pears, but I just don't think they're going to thrive here, so hopefully the concord will be okay and I'll get a crop. You want to see what I do with wifeys face cloth 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Cheers mate 🍻👍

[@ronaldandsusanshaws-growing]

Hi Woody, You've got your work cut out with all those fruit tree pests good luck sorting them out, Take care.

[@cumbrianhomestead]

You're right about that Ronald! Take care mate 👍👍👍

[@revoxb8836]

I have woolly aphid on my Cox’s Orange Pippin. Really hard to eradicate it, also using neem oil in soapy water. Good luck.

[@cumbrianhomestead]

Hi friend Yes, I agree that if you have a heavy infestation it could be really difficult to get control! Good luck to you too and best wishes 👍👍👍

[@christinebrooks6364]

Sorry to see all the damage to your trees and hope your treatment will work for them all 😐

[@cumbrianhomestead]

Thank you Christine - fingers crossed! best wishes :-)

[@jon-luclewis8386]

Hello! what type of soap do you use? like dawn dish soap? dr. bronners? and do you have a good ratio? 50/50 of soap and neem oil? thank you!

[@cumbrianhomestead]

You can use pretty much any soap though liquid castille soap is good. Try two soap to one neem oil. Hope that helps Thanks for watching 🙏👍

[@AMBMBLUE]

Woody. Also I’ve just checked out Amazon who do appear to list a “flick sprayer”. Could you give me a link to a seller please?

[@cumbrianhomestead]

Hi Tony I got mine fro a company called "chrysanthemums direct" .. a quick Google search should find them. It's worth getting an extra plastic pipe which you can cut in order to use a 1 litre bottle. Hope this helps. ATB Woody 👍👍

[@AMBMBLUE]

@@cumbrianhomestead Thanks Woody. Just ordered 👍

[@cumbrianhomestead]

@@AMBMBLUE You're welcome 😀

[@TheUntypicals]

Wasps and ladybirds will take aphids...

[@cumbrianhomestead]

yes, but aphids encourage wasps via their sticky secretions - my plum tree is swarming with them.