Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!

Peach tree leaf curl is common. We show you how to recognize the symptoms and which sprays are effective against the fungus.

Crumpled, rolled leaves are typical signs of leaf curl

Curl disease: damage and symptoms

The leaf curl disease, which mainly affects the peach tree (Prunus persica), is relatively easy to identify due to the damage it causes. The first symptoms can already appear in the first spring months, since the peach only needs a short hibernation and sprout early. If blistered, thickened deformations with discoloration from whitish-green to red can be seen on the newly formed leaves, then it is most likely curling disease. In addition to the symptoms just mentioned, there are other abnormalities that are caused by the curling disorder. As the name of the disease suggests, the leaves can "curl," or roll down. In addition, an unsightly velvety coating can form on the leaves and as the disease progresses the leaves turn black and dry up until they finally fall off. Blossoms, fruits and young branch shoots are more rarely affected by the disease. The fruit can have a cork-like surface with cracks and fall off early.

Causative agent of leaf curl

Curl disease (Taphrina deformans) is a sac fungus and shares this classification with other fungi such as yeast and mold, but the tasty truffle also belongs to this order.

In rare cases, the fungus affects not only the peach but also other related tree species such as the almond tree. The disease is spread by fungal spores, which can travel long distances in the wind. In addition to being spread by the wind, raindrops can also contribute to the dispersal of the spores. The energy from the "impact" of a raindrop is enough to throw the tiny spores off the ground. Once the spores have found a suitable host, they can hibernate in the buds or in the bark. As soon as spring temperatures exceed 8 °C and the leaves are wet from rain, theFungal spores germinate and attack the newly sprouted leaves. The fungus then multiplies on the affected leaves and the symptoms mentioned above appear more or less pronounced, depending on how severe the infestation is. If the affected leaves of the peach tree have died and fallen off, a renewed attack in the same year is not to be expected. However, the fungus survives on the tree or in the soil and will lead to a new infection next year in cool and damp weather.

Typical for leaf curl is a tumour-like, reddish blister formation on the freshly sprouted leaves

Preventive measures

If one of your peach trees is obviously affected by leaf curl, the first thing to do is keep calm. The disease does not usually result in a total loss of the crop and the peach tree is able to grow new he althy leaves and recover after the affected leaves are shed. Even if the deformed, blistered leaves on your tree aren't eye-catchers, leave the affected leaves on the tree until they fall off themselves.

First, the fungus lives in tiny crevices in the bark or buds, making it impossible to remove all affected parts of your tree. Second, pruning creates wounds, and these entry points allow new diseases to invade your already weakened tree. If the infested leaves have come off by themselves, then they don't belong in the compost, but in the residual waste. The fungal spores of leaf curl can persist in the compost for a long time and from there infect plants again.

If you are thinking about buying a new peach tree, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different varieties. In general, white-fleshed peaches are not as sensitive to leaf curl. The tolerant varieties also include `Fidela`, Amsden, `Roter Ellerstädter` or the `Weinbergpfirsich`. However, a completely resistant variety is not yet known. Some retailers offer the cultivar `Revita` and advertise it as being resistant to Taphrina deformans. However, resistance has not been proven, which is why one should remain skeptical about such advertising promises.

In addition to all the good advice, it helps if your peach tree has a sunny and airy location with a good supply of nutrients.

As leaf curl progresses, affected leaves turn darker

How to fight frizz disease

Unfortunately, combating the curl disease is not that easy. If symptoms of the pathogen are already visible, then it is already too late for plant protection measures. Effective plant protection is then only possible again next spring, before the buds swell. Swelling is easier to follow if some buds are spray-painted over. If the layer of paint cracks, then the bud begins to grow and at this point the crop protection must take place. Unfortunately, there are currently no biological agents with proven effectiveness against curlew. A plant-strengthening spray with horsetail tea or an underplanting with nasturtium, garlic and horseradish cannot do any harm and is sometimes recommended. Here you should collect your own experiences in relation to biological plant protection.

The following products have proven themselves in our garden:

  • COMPO Duaxo Universal Fungus-free: Fully systemic fungicide spray; Reliably protects against new infestations and stops the spread
  • NEUDORFF Fungisan rose and vegetable fungus-free: plant protection product that is gentle on beneficial insects and not harmful to bees with a very good long-term effect

It should be noted that several sprayings are necessary in the spring if the weather continues to be wet. Ultimately, of course, it is up to you whether you want to use a biological or chemical pesticide to combat leaf curl.

Another common disease affecting peach trees is peak drought caused by the Monilia pathogen. In our article we explain how to recognize, fight and prevent monilia.

Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!

Category:

Fruit