Q&A: Apple problem returns

Last year, I wrote to you telling you that our Bramley apples had black spots on them. You explained what they wereand said they might not re-appear this year. Unfortunately, they have, but not as bad. Is there any way we can prevent them next year?

The problem is a fungus, Venturia inaequalis, which thrives in damp seasons and over-winters in fallen leaves, which should be raked up and disposed of – but not in the compost bin.

Infected leaves tend to fall early from the tree, which may also have scabby patches on their stems.

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Apples have blackish-brown ppatches on their skins – hence the name, black spot.

You can spray with a fungicide but even then there is no cast-iron guarantee that some scab (or black spot) will not re-appear next year.

Some people grow resistant varieties of apple, such as 'Discovery' or 'Sunset' Unfortunately, Bramleys aren't among them.

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