Remove the apple from the spur by pulling upward and outward while rotating the fruit slightly. On some of the thin, long-stemmed varieties such as Golden Delicious, it is sometimes necessary to flrmly place the index finger at the point of attachment on the stem and spur to prevent the spur from breaking. Apples picked with the stem attached to the fruit keep longer. The best quality fruit is produced when diseases and insects are controlled. Common apple diseases that should be controlled include scab, cedar apple rust, fireblight, sooty blotch and bitter rot.
Damaging insects are spider mites, plum curculio, aphids and coddling moth.
To control fruit tree pests, use one of the home orchard fruit spray mixes that are sold by several companies. Be sure to read and follow all label instructions when applying these or any other pesticide. The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service is implied. Programs conducted by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service serve people of all ages, regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, handicap or national origin.