As you know we have some wonderful fruit trees and bushes on the allotments, but people have been reporting some issues with pests in recent years. As these pest problems are best tackled collectively we thought it helpful to publish some advice on how to address any problems with crops in and around your plots.
One of the most effective things we can all do is to collect and remove fallen fruit, especially fruit with small holes or damage, as these often contain larvae that will leave the fruit and continue their life cycle in the soil or bark. Damaged or fallen fruit should be removed from the ground and disposed of off site rather than composted on the allotment, as they can contain larvae and may also harbour diseases that could spread to other plants on the site. Insects move easily between nearby trees and small actions taken across the whole allotment can make a real difference to fruit quality. Below are a few simple steps that may help reduce problems.
Apples, pears and quince
Codling moth
The codling moth (Cydia pomonella) causes the familiar “maggoty apple” by laying eggs on developing fruit.
What helps
• Early spring: Clear fallen fruit, old leaves and debris from around trees.
• If trunks have loose bark, gently brushing the trunk can remove places where pests may hide.
• Late April to early May: Hang pheromone traps in apple, pear or quince trees before moths begin to fly. Pheromone traps use a scent lure to attract and trap male moths, helping monitor pest activity. One trap per tree is usually sufficient for monitoring. Hang traps at about head height within the tree canopy.
• Summer: Collect and remove fallen fruit regularly.
• June to August: Corrugated cardboard bands around trunks can trap larvae crawling down the tree to pupate. Check or replace the bands every few weeks and remove and dispose of them in September.
Plums and greengages
Plum moth
Plums and greengages may be affected by the plum moth (Grapholita funebrana), whose larvae tunnel into fruit.
Helpful steps
• Hang pheromone traps from late April or May.
• Collect fallen fruit regularly.
• Thin heavy crops to improve airflow and fruit quality.
Gooseberries
Gooseberry sawfly
Gooseberries are sometimes affected by gooseberry sawfly (Nematus ribesii), whose larvae can strip leaves quickly.
What to do
• Check bushes regularly from April onwards, especially the undersides of leaves.
• Remove larvae by hand if seen.
• Encourage birds and beneficial insects.
Encourage helpful insects
Pollinators and beneficial insects help both fruit production and natural pest control. Planting nectar rich flowers nearby can support them. Good choices include phacelia, borage, alyssum and calendula.