The premier gardening information source
Apple Sawfly - Identify and Treatment
APPLE SAWFLY
The apple sawfly (Hoplocampa testudinea) are small wasp-like
insects which first lay their eggs on
the blossoms. The eggs then grow into maggots which tunnel just
below the surface of the skin. It is this which causes the
ribbon like scars on the outside of the fruit (see left). As the maggots
grow, they then tunnel directly into the middle of the fruit,
causing it to drop prematurely in early July.
Varieties
which are likely to be attacked include James Grieve and
Worcester Permain. GO
TO THE GARDEN PEST AND DISEASE MAIN PAGE FOR
How to Treat Apple Sawfly
Preventative treatment consists of spraying the tree with derris
(safe to humans and garden wildlife) when most of the apple
blossom has fallen from the tree. If any fruit is attacked, remove it from the tree as soon as it is
noticed and burn it - do not put it on the compost heap.
PESTS AND DISEASES CLASSIFIED BY PLANT
END OF ARTICLE