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Peach Leaf Curl

October 5, 2016 by hsotr

Peach Leaf Curl

Peach leaf curl is a common disease caused by the fungus Taphrina deformans.  Besides peaches, susceptible plants include nectarines and almonds.

The peach leaf curl fungus spends the winter in the bark and buds of its hosts.  It enters new buds as they begin to swell and open in the spring, spread by rain and dew.  Not surprisingly, wet weather creates a situation ripe for trouble with this disease.

Symptoms

  • Pale or pinkish new leaves, depending on tree variety.
  • Thick, puckered, curled leaves or portions of leaves.
  • Leaf drop.
  • Stunted twigs.
  • Poor fruit yield.
  • Raised, discolored spots with no fuzz on fruit.
  • Gradual tree death.

Treatment

Peach Leaf Curl

Trees that are showing symptoms of peach leaf curl cannot be treated until the following spring.  In the meantime, thin the fruit and keep the tree healthy with adequate water and fertilizer.

Early in the spring, after the tree has been pruned but before the buds begin to swell, spray the tree thoroughly with the appropriate fungicide (organic growers can use copper).  Make sure you cover the entire tree on all sides, from the trunk to every small twig.  Be prepared to repeat the treatment if it rains.  This process will probably need to be repeated in future years.

Prevention

Peach Leaf Curl

The best prevention is to purchase fruit tree varieties resistant to peach leaf curl.  Still, susceptibility can be reduced with attention to water and fertilizer.  A good rule of thumb is to measure a shoot to see how much the tree grew the previous year.  If the shoot is a foot long or shorter, fertilize the tree.  Do not overdo, however, as excess growth tends to be soft and disease-prone.

Helpful Resource

Leaf Curl of Peaches and Nectarines
Brief factsheet useful for identifying the disease and understanding its life cycle.

Complete Series

Garden & Orchard Diseases

Garden & Orchard Diseases

Keep Reading...

Filed Under: The Garden Tagged With: Fruit, Nuts, Plant Health

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About hsotr

Motivated by her experience growing up on a small farm near Wichita, Kansas, Michelle Lindsey started Homestead on the Range to supply Kansas country living enthusiasts with the innovative resources that they need to succeed and has now been keeping families informed and inspired for over five years. Michelle is the author of three country living books. She is also a serious student of history, specializing in Kansas, agriculture, and the American West. When not pursuing hobbies ranging from music to cooking to birdwatching, she can usually be found researching, writing, or living out the country dream.

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