Almond tree - fly problem

Carmel


Joined: 18/03/2008
Posts: 206

Message Posted:
03/04/2010 18:44

I hope someone can help with this problem. There are two almond trees in our garden and one of the trees is infested with flies and has been for some time now. They are mainly large black flies like 'bluebottles' and now some of the branches are covered with what I presume are eggs. Has anyone else come across this problem and if so I would greatly appreciate some advice.

piggy


Joined: 15/02/2009
Posts: 132

Message Posted:
03/04/2010 19:15

Interesting, maybe it has something to do with the amount of rain that has fallen this winter. My advocado tree also is swarming with flies.



Anybody have the answer.

Ballyboffin


Joined: 25/08/2007
Posts: 903

Message Posted:
03/04/2010 20:10

We had the same problem with our peach tree last year. I'd say get it sprayed with insecticide ASAP before the eggs hatch.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
03/04/2010 23:12

The answer is: Let 'Nature' do its work!



There is a natural cycle - an almond tree becomes infested with green and black fly - the large black wood ants and the hornets and wasps feast on the pests - then the 'Bee Eater' birds come in flocks (can be heard by their distinctive call) and gorge themselves on the wasps and hornets - that, perennially, is what happens.



Its not worth, and not advisable, to spray insecticide on almond trees.



However, now is the time to spray apricot and trees (+ other stonefruit), provided they have finished blossoming and the fruit has formed - this, followed up with further fortnightly spraying will prevent the worms in your apricot fruit (and other stone fruit - peach, nectarine, plum, etc.)

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
04/04/2010 12:20

That should have been: Let 'Nature' do HER work!

roisin


Joined: 19/03/2009
Posts: 358

Message Posted:
04/04/2010 13:07

What is the insect that is munching the blossom off my fruit trees? The blossom looks like it has been bitten off completely and only a tiny bit with ragged edges is left. Could it be those huge grey grasshoppers? What can I do about it please?

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
05/04/2010 11:05

It could possibly be 'Bronze Beetle', because it's a bit early for Thrips.



Spray with 'Lindane' based insecticide.