Fruit Trees Attacked

[old wrinkly]

Wonder if anyone could shed any light on what have attacked our fruit trees. We live in Essex, in a rural area with farmland back and front.

We have two apple, a Lord Lambourn eating and a Lord Derby cooker. We also have a Concord pear tree and a young cherry tree.

This year they have all be attacked by some pest. The leaves have all been badly eaten and also the blossom.

Usually the Lord Derby is a prolific cropper but it looks as if most, if not all the blossom has been killed off.

We have not noticed anything specific on the trees and wonder if it is just a side effect of the unseasonably warm weather we had in March & April. There is also some evidence of rust .

In addition, our next door neighbour has just told us she thinks her trees have canker and wonder if this the cause of our trouble.

We were away for two weeks in March getting back about the 20th.

Any suggestion much appreciated.

 

[JohnD]

picture picture picture.

 

[old wrinkly]

picture picture picture.

Will take a couple of piccies later today.

How do I post them as the Img icon refers to a web site, which I don't have.

Thanks

 

[JohnD]

//www.diynot.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=6

 

[old wrinkly]

Hope these images give enough detail (it was pouring with rain in the garden).

Didn't know how to resize the image so sorry if a bit big.

Did some follow on research since posting and read that the Winter Moth caterpillar (the 1 and half inch long green 'looper' caterpillars), can do similar damage this time of year but don't know if this is relevant

Can't say that either my wife or I have noticed anything on the trees although my wife, who is the gardener says we would only notice caterpillar in the morning whilst they are feeding.

 

[JohnD]

don't know, but I think not caterpillar. They generally munch in from the sides, like you eating a sandwich.

That's "shot-hole" damage

 

[old wrinkly]

That's what I would have thought but not being a gardener couldn't be sure.

Wonder if it could even be a bird (unlikely I know) we've had one or tow strangers in the garden this year.

Keeping fingers crossed someone can come up with something.