Diseased fruit tree?

[TJane2K]

A client I garden for has had a problem with 2 apple trees this year,they are both eaters although I don't know which variety . The fruits formed but did'nt develop very well then got covered in brown spots and looked awful.They are still hanging on the tree looking dreadful ,we don't know what to do next.Should we give it a hard pruning?Is it a disease?Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

[Clanad]

If the leaves also turned brown and curled it may well be a case of fire blight. This is a bacterial infection and is well described here http://www.caf.wvu.edu/kearneysville/disease_descriptions/omblight.html

Best of luck!

[Newt]

Hi TJane, With no disrespect to Clanad, this sounds more like Black rot or possibly even White rot. Take a look here. You'll have to scroll down. http://www.caes.state.ct.us/PlantPestHandbookFiles/pphA/ppha ppl.htm I do not recommend the chemicals they do at this site. If you let me know what you think is wrong, I'll research something organic and environmentally friendly. Newt

[Drewhound]

Just to add to the possibilites if TJane2K is in Britain it could be Brown Rot (very common with this year's damp summer)

http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0900/brown_rot.asp