As first-time spindle cordon apple tree growers at our Tenth Church’s ‘The Healing Garden’, we have noticed a quite the phenomenon with ants ‘raising’ aphids on the top 2-3 leaves of our apple trees! We weren’t sure it would damage the tree leaves, but we knew aphids do eat leaves – which would prevent leaves from providing energy to the plant.
At first we didn’t understand what came first- the aphids or the ants – and we’ve been using a home-made soap+tea spray against aphids. We did that- regularly, and even moved some ladybugs to help eat them but all to no avail. I couldn’t believe that the ants could be the culprit. Ants are raising the aphids for their sugary secretion, and in return, protect the aphids from it’s predators. This is known as a mutalistic relationship.
All this time I was assuming that it’s a ‘new’ garden without much habitat for beneficial insects like the ladybug, lacewing or predatory wasps so that we are having these ‘unbalances’ in our garden. However, since most of our ‘organic’ attempts against the aphids didn’t work, it is time to look for more information… (or at least – that is how I learn – experientially).
Watching this video shows you how ‘simple’ it can be to manage what’s happening at the top your fruit tree leaves, is by stopping ant access to these leaves at the trunk.
Secret Ingredient: Tanglefoot “Tree Tanglefoot Insect Barrier is a sticky, caramel colored paste made from natural gum resins, vegetable oil and wax. When applied as a continuous band around the trunks of shade trees, fruit trees, plants or vines, it creates a barrier that effectively entraps or repels destructive climbing insects.
The combination of ingredients is non-toxic to insects, humans, pets and the environment. Tree Tanglefoot works strictly in a mechanical fashion. It is listed by the Organic Material Review Institute (OMRI) for use in organic gardening.”
However, this fruit tree grower from California explains how well the ants protect their aphids from predators like ladybugs (explains why it didn’t work earlier!) – and the importance of managing ant access points to the leaves – known as bridges. The trunk of the tree is still the main street of traffic for the ants so best to start there.
As with most ‘Organic’ methods- it requires monitoring and detailed care. Savvy Housekeeper noticed that the ants can adapt – they made themselves new bridges on the Tanglefoot… more Tanglefoot then?
Other methods I’ve read from forums:
-ground bbq charcoal at the base of plants
-latex paint with application of Diatomaceous Earth while still wet
-drowning out the ants- more watering.
