It could be scale. Can you scrape them off? If so it is probably scale. I've controlled them with Malathion during the growing season. But your first line of defense is dormant oil.

The Fruitnut

Thanks. yes I can scrape them off. We are in third year of becoming certified organic so I wont be able to use Malathiion. Would you tell me what dormant oil is please

lollyjack: So you are in third yr of being certified organic but you don't know what scale is and haven't heard of dormant oil. No disrespect intended but you have some studying to do. You have a lot more to learn than what I have time to explain. But dormant oil is applied during the dormant season to control scale and eggs of other insects. It is probably the backbone of most organic programs.

The Fruitnut

Lollyjack:

Let me second fruitnut's remarks. If you don't know what dormant oil is, you shouldn't be growing anything for public sale, organic or otherwise. You need to do some studying, and you can start by entering "dormant oil" in your Google search. Growing fruit organically is more than just wishing. A lot more.

Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA

Thanks for you help. Where I come from we don't refer to this as dormant oils. I was under the impression it was something I hadn't heard of .