Withering apple tree leaves?

[whitenack]

Hi guys,

Planted a young gala semi-dwarf back in late fall of 04. Everything has been going great, including some blossums this spring.

However, just recently the leaves have started to curl and whither. We have been getting good natural rains this spring, so I don't think irrigation is the problem. Also, we haven't sprayed any weedkillers, so that isn't it.

And at the same time, tiny apples have started to appear.

Any ideas? Is this normal? I don't understand how it could be stressed enough to whither the leaves but healthy enough to start to produce fruit.

Thanks

 

[Tree Frog]

Maybe this can help
http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/indices/plantdisindex.html

 

[treeseer]

check the undersides of the leaves

 

[whitenack]

check the undersides of the leaves

Bingo! Infestation.

What now?

 

[alanarbor]

A good stream of water will knock those aphids off.

They will stop feeding when the new growth hardens, and they can no longer pierce the plant tissues with their mouth parts. If it's really bad, and the leaves are dropping off, some insecticidal soap will do well.