Attack Peach Problems Early

Home gardeners can enjoy a single tree in limited space or prolong the fruit picking season with several varieties where space is adequate. However, if a gardener is to get more than flowers from peach trees, prompt and early control of some disease problems may be necessary. One of the most common peach problems is leaf curl. This disease is caused by a fungus which causes twisted, distorted leaves. A reddish-purple discoloration often appears in the distorted leaves which eventually drop off. The spores of this disease are spread by wind, and lodge in bud scales or cracks in the bark of the twigs. As the buds begin to open in early spring the disease spores infect the new leaves.

Peach leaf curl is not difficult to control, but measures must be taken in early spring before growth begins. Ferbam is an effective fungicide if applied during the dormant season. Other effective spray materials include limesulphur, or Bordeaux mixture. If a dormant oil spray is applied for control of scale insects, one of the materials for peach leaf curl control may be applied at the same time. If peach leaf curl is not destroyed before leaves are infected in early spring, later sprays will be of no value for its control. Another serious disease problem, of peaches, as well as cherries, plums and apricots, is brown rot. This disease is also caused by a fungus. The fungus infects trees early in the season and throughout the season.

Brown rot first appears during bloom. Blossom clusters may wilt and turn brown. This problem is particularly evident during wet seasons. After flower clusters collapse, grey spores masses often appear. The fungus then progresses down the flower stalk into the twigs and sometimes causes young shoots to die back. Most home gardeners become more aware of brown rot as fruits approach maturity. Small circular brown spots appear, and spread very rapidly. The brown rotted area soon becomes covered with grey-colored spore masses.

After a fruit is infected, it may drop or remain attached to the tree. The attached fruits which gradually shrivel and dry, are called "mummies." The fungus usually survives the winter in twigs or mummified fruit left from last season. Infection begins in spring at bloom time, and continues to move from twigs to fruit throughout the summer. It is most severe when rainy weather develops close to bloom time and again close to harvest. Both cleanliness and sprays are necessary to keep brown rot under control. Always remove twigs and mummified fruit that have been killed by brown rot.

Watch trees closely near harvest time, and remove any fruit with rotten spots as soon as noticed. Bury the fruit, or make sure that it is removed far from the trees. Regular sprays throughout the summer, starting at bloom time, are important to Brown rot control.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peach