The curling disease caused by the sac fungus Taphrina deformans is very common in peaches. The disease weakens the plant, leading to reduced growth and crop loss. Once the disease has broken out, it can no longer be fought in the current season. Only preventive measures are effective.

Leaf curl causes leaf drop

The pathogen usually nests in the leaf and flower buds of peach, nectarine, apricot and almond trees during the wet winter months. As they emerge, the leaves curl - at this stage they are easily mistaken for aphid infestation - and eventually develop yellow-green to reddish discoloration and blisters. As the disease progresses, the peach tree sheds the diseased leaves and thus becomes weaker, since adequate photosynthesis is no longer possible. In some cases, branches are also affected, which then die off and have to be cut out. Fruits, on the other hand, are rarely attacked.

Curl disease has serious consequences in the following year

However, the consequences of this fungal infection are much more serious in the following year: Newly grown shoots appear squashed, leaves hardly develop and if they do, then only stunted. Flowers and fruits are also hardly set and if they do, they fall off again after a short time. The causative fungus, Taphrina deformans, genetically related to the causative agent of plum's fool's disease or pocket disease, overwinters as a mycelium on the branches, twigs and buds of peach trees. As soon as it gets warmer (around 10°C), the mycelium breaks down into tiny cells that are washed into the buds by rain, infecting them. As the disease progresses, the new shoots will also be affected.

Prevention through correct location

One of the most important preventive measures is choosing the right location. Peaches are sun worshipers, so they need a sunny and wind-protected spot in the garden. Since the fungus is mainly spread by penetrating rainwater, the peach tree should be planted in a rain-protected place - e.g. B. under a canopy - stand. However, it is important to note that it must not cast any shadows. In addition, the crown should be kept as light as possible by regular pruning so that the leaves dry off more quickly after a downpour. Regular but moderate fertilization strengthens the resistance of the peach tree.

Spray preventively in spring

The curling disease can only be treated as long as the buds have not yet broken open - ergo measures after flowering or the appearance of the first symptoms are simply ineffective. Instead, preventive treatment should be carried out from the middle to the end of January, but no later than February (depending on the weather). To do this, proceed as follows:

  • Remove so-called fruit mummies as well as infested leaves and shoot tips
  • Spray the entire canopy with fungicides
  • repeat this at least three times at intervals of about 10 days
  • recommended agents are Compo Duaxo Universal fungus-free and Neudo Vital fruit spray

Prevention through resistant peach varieties

Since prevention is better than cure, you should plant peach varieties that are naturally more resistant to leaf curl. In principle, all white-fleshed varieties are less susceptible to disease, as they were mostly bred for cultivation in our latitudes. Suitable varieties include

  • benedict
  • Amsterdam
  • Revita
  • Red Vineyard Peach
  • Saturn
  • Alexandra Zainara

tips and tricks

Proper watering prevents diseases, do not spray the leaves with water, just water the soil.

Category:

Trees