Apple Trees - Scab?

Does anyone know what is the best treatment (spray?) for a very old apple tree which usually starts to drop it's leaves very early and some of the fruits go mouldy.

Re: Apple Trees - Scab?

I spray with any fungicide for fruit trees but there is always some scab present.

Re: Apple Trees - Scab?

Scab is a fungal disease and the spores are airborne and they travel for miles.
The fallen leaves should be cleared away and burned and infected shoots pruned out and burned too.
If you are going to spray the tree, the whole thing must be sprayed.
There are varieties that are resistant to this infection - would that be a better idea, simply replace the tree if it gets badly infected every year.

Re: Apple Trees - Scab?

Sorry Alan, I skipped over your reply - I see you mentioned spraying - didn't mean to be rude.

Re: Apple Trees - Scab?

Thanks for your replies - what I wanted to know is if there is a systemic spray that is better than any other. The tree is an old fashioned variety and at least 60yrs old - our house was built on an old orchard 35 yrs ago and I persuaded the builder not to destroy it. It bears a beautiful fruit which is suitable for eating or cooking but I have no idea what it is called. It is laden with blossom (more than I can remember it having in past years) after a disastrous season last year when it produced only two apples.

Re: Apple Trees - Scab?

A lovely flower is the zinnia Joy. I don't know how much you know about gardening but a fruit tree needs a compatible fruit tree to pollinate it unless it is self-fertile. As to which spray is best you'd have to be a specialist to answer that question, I just use whatever I happen to set my eyes on in the garden centre. Many of the older types of spray have been taken off the market as they are deemed to be environmentally bad.

Re: Apple Trees - Scab?

Thanks Alan - Yes most of all the old sprays have disappeared and I fear the replacements are not so effective - I know the environment is number one priority these days - I guess what you gain on the swings you lose on the roundabout. I have been a keen gardener for over 60yrs (Zinnias were one of my specialities). Afraid I am past the digging etc these days and find the warmth of the greenhouse much nicer and easier.

Re: Apple Trees - Scab?

Last year was bad for most fruit trees. A hot March made them flower when there were no polinators around. We then had a cold, stormy wet April.

Re: Apple Trees - Scab?

Just wondered if you could use a systemic spray on fruit?
You are right there Ron .. my apple didn't have any fruit worth picking.

Re: Apple Trees - Scab?

I have never seen the apple blossom look better than it does this year. If all the blossom sets on my neighbour's Bramley tree they will have to put in some props to stop the branches from snapping...