Crab Apple White Fluffy Growth: Scale or Powdery Mildew?

Old crab apple in UK has white fluffy growth on stumps and lower bark. Antifungal spray didn't help; spread slightly.

Diagnosis

• Touch it: Moves = insect (woolly aphid or scale). Static = powdery mildew (fungus).
• Woolly aphids: white fluffy colonies on bark.
• Scale: hard bumps under fluff.

Treatment

If insect: UK-available insecticides for aphids/scale (e.g., pyrethroids, oils). Consult local nursery.

If powdery mildew: Fungicides—Banner Maxx, Benlate, Bayleton, sulfur, neem oil, etc. (list provided).

Key

Correct ID dictates treatment. Antifungal won't kill insects.