It is well known that peach trees are extremely susceptible to fungal diseases, particularly the widespread leaf curl. This infection with the fungus Taphrina deformans manifests itself in typical leaf changes, eventually leading to leaf loss and thus considerably weakening the tree.
preventive measures
Unfortunately, once they have broken out, there is no effective way to treat frizz. In addition, according to the current status (June 2015), only two pesticides are approved for domestic use, and there are significantly more in commercial peach cultivation. You should therefore focus more on prevention, which can look like this:
- Plant mainly hardy peach varieties.
- In general, white-fleshed varieties are less sensitive than yellow-fleshed varieties.
- The pathogen fungus spreads mainly when it rains, so plant your peach tree in a sheltered spot.
- A location with a canopy or on the side of the house away from the rain would be well suited.
- Prune your peach tree regularly and ensure a light crown.
Preventive sprays
In addition, you can - especially in the case of an infestation in the previous year, since the fungus overwinters on the tree - spray with a herbal tonic in February / March at the latest and thus significantly reduce the risk of infection. Spraying takes place as soon as it is warmer than 10 °C for several days in a row, which can also happen as early as December. Spray the biological plant strengthener Neudo-Vital Obst-fungusschutz when the buds start to swell. The treatment should be carried out three to four times at intervals of about three weeks. The entire crown should be treated.
Duaxo Universal Fungus Free is the only approved chemical agent
Duaxo Universal fungus-free is the only plant protection product that is approved for the home garden. This should also be sprayed before the buds burst, if possible three times in a row at intervals of 10 days. However, the following precautions must be observed:
- Wear protective clothing (old clothes, rubber boots, gloves) when spraying.
- Put on goggles.
- Do not work against the wind. Do not spray at all in stronger winds.
- Do not smoke, eat or drink while injecting.
- Never blow out clogged spray nozzles with your mouth.
- Wash thoroughly after work.
- Do not dispose of spray residues via the sewage system.
biological control agents
Since the above-mentioned sprays have only been approved since 2009, resourceful gardeners have discovered a number of biological options against leaf curl. Help against this fungal infection u.
- an underplanting with garlic, horseradish or nasturtium
- spraying the tree with nettle, horsetail or garlic broth
tips and tricks
Remove infested leaves and twigs immediately and dispose of them with household waste. Don't throw them in the compost! This measure can limit the spread of the fungus.