Question
my granny smith tree is about 12 years old and the past 2 years it has had black spot on about 20% of the fruit.i have sprayed it with sulfer and captan with no improvement. i was told by a man who raises apples for a living that the tree needed more calicum. how do i apply calicum if this is true. if you have any suggestions, i am all ears. thanks bobby

Answer
Since you have observed no improvement with sulfur and captan fungicides, this suggests that something else is to blame for your problem.  The spots you describe sound like a problem known as bitter pit or blossom end rot.  It is caused by a calcium deficiency and is common in some fruits (like apples) and vegetables (like tomatoes).

The best way to correct the problem is with a product that contains calcium and is sprayed directly on the leaves.  You should follow directions for preparing the spray, but it is usually applied to young fruit and more than one application may be needed. You should be able to find a product that contains calcium chloride or calcium nitrate at your local garden center.  I know that I have seen products in my area that are promoted for stopping blossom end rot on tomato.  I think I've seen products called stop rot or blossom end rot spray.  Hope this helps improve your apples!