Many old peach species, e.g. B. Amsden, are insensitive to certain fungal diseases. Others, on the other hand, have been refined through targeted breeding in such a way that their susceptibility to diseases has also increased. Plant lovers will not be able to avoid a minimum of plant protection, also of a chemical nature.
Common fungal diseases
The curling disease in particular affects peaches very often, but it is not the only thing that endangers the trees. Many fungal pathogens have specialized in pome and stone fruit plants and therefore not only infest apples, pears, cherries and plums but also peaches, nectarines and apricots.
Fungal diseases at a glance
- frizz disease
- Monilia fruit rot
- Branch Monilia / Top drought
- fruit tree cancer
- shotgun disease
- peach mildew
- peach scab
fruit tree cancer
Fruit tree canker is a fungal disease that, despite the same name, has nothing to do with human cancer. The fungal spores penetrate through wounds, e.g. B. as a result of autumn pruning, a: after hail or frost, at cuts or similar, but also due to the many leaf scars that appear in autumn. Waterlogging, a high groundwater level, too much nitrogen in the soil (e.g. caused by one-sided fertilization with liquid manure or stable manure) promote infestation. Therefore, only plant peach trees in suitable locations, because cold locations and damp and heavy soil favor the occurrence.
Control of fruit tree canker
The existing cancerous areas should be cut out down to the healthy wood and treated with a wound care product. Suitable wound care products are, for example, La Balsam, Spisin or Bayleton.
shotgun disease
Shotgun disease is caused by the fungus Stigmina carpophilum. The disease manifests itself in reddish-brown spots on the leaves, which later die and fall out of the leaf tissue. The leaves appear perforated. The bark can also be covered with dark necrosis, i. H. dead tissue. In addition to the leaves, shoots and fruits can also be infected. The fungus overwinters on leaves, fruit mummies, in twig wounds or on the bark and produces numerous spores in spring, especially in humid weather.
Combat shotgun disease
Treatment should be given if the shotgun disease has already occurred in the previous year. Treatment with an appropriate fungicide is usually necessary twice, whereby the agent should be changed - otherwise the pathogens could develop resistance. Spray for the first time when the leaves are sprouting in damp weather, and repeat after about 10 to 14 days.
peach scab
In spring, the fungus Venturia carpophila infests the soil, especially when it is very humid. This primarily affects the fruit, but often also young shoots. Dark scab patches develop, which expand greatly and can become cracked.
Treatment of peach scab
The treatment should be carried out in damp weather towards the end of April / beginning of May. Special fungicides are applied (as a preventive measure) and infested fruits and shoots should be removed as soon as possible.
tipps: Many diseases caused by fungi occur primarily in rainy weather, as the moisture simply washes spores into the individual parts of the tree. For this reason, it makes sense to place peach trees in sheltered locations (e.g. under a canopy). In addition, the trees should not be sprinkled with a lawn sprinkler (€26.95) or similar.