I have a Ballerina apple tree which developed leaf curl i could not find any signs of infestation so thought maybe it was pot bound. I have repotted and since i have noticed white cotton wool like stuff around the branches and around the root. Please can anyone advise what this could be and how to treat.

Judy, July 2010

Amazon £4.45

P, July 2010

Thank you so much. I will buy the magazine and also try what you suggest.

Judy, July 2010

Buy yourself a copy of The Fruit Expert - D G Hessayon £5

pages 50 - 57 deal with fruit tree problems - you may have...

Woolly Aphid - Colonies of aphids live on stems & branches secreting white waxy "wool" which protects them. Does little harm - Brish off "wool" with old toothbrush and methylated spirits.

Fruit Tree Tortrix Moth - Leaves spun together or attached to the fruit. Small active caterpillars feed inside protective cover. Hand pick spun leaves and spray (drench) with Fenitrothion or Hexyl.

Peccavi, July 2010