Apple Tree Rust / Mould / Blight / diecease

[TonyV]

Hi All
As you have probably guessed from subject - we don't know what it is.
My neighbour has 12 trees growing in his postage stamp garden in London WC1 - they are all Bonsai
The problem is with an apple - just started to grow this year and all the new growth is grey and dead - if you touch leaves it's as if they are covered in spores
Anyone got any ideas what it is and how to treat.
Thanx in advance for your help
Tony V

 

[JohnD]

Sounds like grey mildew to me. You want to spray it with fungicide. If you don't then all the grey leaves will fall off and later in the year it will have a go at growing some more. the tree will be weakened and if it is recently planted will probably die. You will have to spray it a few times while it continues to put new leaves out so that they geta chance to grow and toughen uo without being infected. the bad leaves will peibably fall off whatever you do, but at this time of year it will still be trying to put out new ones.

 

[TonyV]

Thanks for advice John. Will pass it on.
Tree is 15+ years old - so should survive if treated.

Tony