Peach trees, especially if they grow in less than optimal locations, are quite sensitive to pest infestation and many fungal diseases. Read what diseases there are, how to recognize and treat them.
fungal diseases
In principle, fungi can colonize all parts of a tree and damage it so severely that it dies if infested repeatedly. With many fungal diseases, only chemical mace can actually help, especially with the very common curling disease. However, the best remedy is prevention: choosing the right location, regular pruning of the tree and moderate fertilization (particularly sufficient but not excessive nitrogen!).
frizz disease
The leaves in particular show blistered bulges from white-green to red in color and are finally shed. The only effective way is to spray before the buds open. There are currently two means approved for the hobby area.
shotgun disease
Small, reddish spots appear on the leaves, which later fall out. The leaves appear perforated. Bark and fruits can also be affected. Treatment is required if it occurs more severely, and suitable fungicides are sprayed when the buds sprout. Infected areas should also be removed. To prevent this, tree crowns should be kept as light as possible.
peach mildew
Powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Podosphaera pannosa, which spreads particularly in summer temperatures and high humidity. The fungus causes white coating on shoots, leaves and fruits, as well as deformation of the same. If the infestation is low, cutting out is sufficient, if it is severe, spray with fungicides.
shoot tip drought
The shoot tip drought is also known as branch monilia. It occurs during the flowering period, especially in rainy weather. Suddenly the flowers wither and dry up, shoots and leaves also die off. As a preventative measure, an annual pruning should be carried out after the harvest. When they appear, affected shoots must be cut back up to 10 centimeters into the healthy wood. If the infestation is severe, you can spray directly into the flowers with an organic fungicide (harmless to bees).
Monilia fruit rot
The Monilia fungus affects all types of pome and stone fruit, including peaches. They initially show small rotten spots, which quickly increase in size. Around these, ring-shaped, grey-brown colored fruiting bodies of the fungus (so-called upholstery mold) develop. The disease is particularly spread by wasps during fruit ripening. Control: Remove the affected fruits, also in winter.
peach scab
Scab occurs in all types of pome and stone fruit and mainly affects leaves and fruit. Dark spots form here, which harden quickly. In the event of scab infestation or to prevent it, spray with an organic fungicide before and after flowering.
pest infestation
aphids
An aphid infestation is indicated by stunted and curled leaves and stunted shoots. The treatment is carried out with a chemical insecticide or biologically with beneficial insects such as e.g. B. Lacewings. However, such treatment is not possible outdoors, the peach tree would have to be wrapped in foil beforehand.
fruit tree spider mite
When infested with spider mites, small, whitish spots appear on the leaves, and the leaves are also colored lead-grey to bronze. If you look closely, you can see the mites themselves as very small, reddish animals. The reddish eggs are laid in winter. Spider mites suck the sap from the plant, damaging it.
Common scale insect
A scale insect infestation can be recognized by (severely) weakened plant growth, and there is often a black coating on the leaves and bark (sooty mildew). The scale insects themselves are often visible as a black coating on the leaves and bark. The treatment is similar to that of the olive tree.
tips and tricks
According to the "Ordinance on plant protection products that are harmful to bees", it is forbidden to treat flowering plants with products that are harmful to bees. On the packaging of pesticides that are harmful to bees, the note “Caution! Dangerous to bees!”.