The presence of large numbers of overwintering eggs round the spurs will warn that an attack by apple sucker is likely.
- Levels of apple sucker should be assessed as part of the normal pre-blossom pest assessment at the green cluster growth stage (see section ‘Pest and disease assessment’).
- Ideally carefully inspect 4 trusses on each of 25 trees per orchard.
- Look out for the characteristic blobs of honey dew and wax at the base of the flower stalks. The suckers themselves can be rather difficult to see because they are a similar colour to the leaf.
- Treatment is justified if more than 30% of trusses are infested.