What's eating my discovery apple?

Discovery Apple ripens early (late July to August in the UK) which limits some late-season pest pressure, but codling moth, aphids, and apple sawfly all attack during the growing season. Birds and wasps target the ripe fruit. Deer and rabbits can damage young trees in winter. Good orchard hygiene and pheromone traps are essential.

Caterpillars bore into the core of developing fruit; telltale entry hole surrounded by frass Pheromone traps from late May to monitor and reduce male population; codling moth granulosis virus spray from petal fall; remove fallen fruit promptly

Larvae cause ribbon-like scars on fruit skin then tunnel into the core early in the season; heavy fruit drop in June Hang sticky white traps to catch egg-laying adults at blossom time; cultivate around tree base in autumn to expose pupae to birds; remove and destroy affected fruitlets

Curled, distorted leaves in spring; reduced vigour in young trees; sticky honeydew Winter plant-oil wash; targeted insecticidal soap spray in spring before leaves fully curl

Pecked holes and hollowed-out fruit in August as the early crop ripens Net small trees or individual fruit clusters; pick fruit as soon as ripe; remove fallen fruit daily to reduce wasp attraction