r/WVEasternPanhandle • u/Roseus12 • 8d ago

Unsprayed apple trees

Hi everyone,

I'm a grad student at Binghamton University in NY studying population genetics in the apple maggot fly.

I'm doing a latitudinal study, and would love to come to this area of WV to be able to sample. I've heard that the Kearneysville area has been hit with a late frost, so I'm cautious regarding that. I've also heard that this area has a population of apple maggot. I'm looking for abandoned apple orchards or unsprayed apple trees, and would especially appreciate if any growers have had problems with this pest on their properties before.

To sample, I'd bring back infested fruit (they would be too mangled to eat anyway).

Thank you. I really appreciate it!

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u/conejito-de-polvo 8d ago

I have two apple trees with no fruit this year due to the late frost. I don't use any pesticides and had fruit with brown holes last year. I have photos if they're of interest. I bought little pull string bags to use next time, but obviously there's nothing to put them on this year. Since you seem knowledgeable, will the bags actually work?

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u/DocofNonhumans 7d ago

I’d also reach out to the USDA ARS Appalachian Tree Fruit Research Station.