Interesting observations

Worcester Pearmain are being picked. This variety has been grown here for 100 years, the oldest individual tree here now being approximately 80 years old.

Until recent years a particular annual problem has been with apple sawfly which seem attracted to the paler blossom of Worcester Pearmain. With the significantly warm spells now experienced during the weeks before blossom the overwintering soil borne pupae are ‘awakening’ in advance of the apple  blossom and therefore any egg laying is unsucessful. The result being very few apples being disfigured by the damage inflicted to the flower receptacle at laying.

The image below was a chance find yesterday whilst picking Worcester Pearmain under low cloud just ahead of rain. It is most reassuring to observe that our earwig population is flourishing, contributing to caterpillar control. They also enjoy a nibble of skin under one’s shirt!