red leaf curl

[kairenc]

I think it's on my peach tree. What is it? What can I do to treat it? Oh, one more thing - does it need to be treated? Many thanks!

[Clanad]

If that's what you are experiencing, your need to pick peaches this year has vanished. The leaves have started curling soon after they appeared in the spring, and may have had a reddish or red/gray color, hence the name. It's caused by a fungus that attacks the foilage, but will also affect the fruits. You are probably not going to have any this year. This fall after the tree has shed most of its leaves, obtain a product called Dormant Oil... there are various brands, but we (I live in the western U.S.) have always used Ortho brand Dormant Oil. It's mixed in a pump sprayer or can be ready mixed in a hose end apray bottle. Spray the entire tree thoroughly... wetting all the branches and main trunk. Be careful... it's nasty smelling stuff made from sulphur, but it's not toxic. This will kill the over wintering fungus spores. But... you should repeat the process in the spring just before leaf emergence. be sure to clean up the dropped leaves this fall and dispose of them since they are carrying the fungus spores. The tree will survive but if you want any fruit production you'll have to treat it. Best of luck!

[kairenc]

Thanks very much. There's lots of peaches on the tree growing already. Does this mean they will become useless or are they inedible?

[Clanad]

If what you're seeing is truly Red Leaf Curl, the fruit will not develop and eventually fall off. If the fruit appears to be devolping normally, it is possible that you have another malady. There are certain insects, for example, such as tent worms that affect only the leaves. They, however, are fairly easy to detect since, if you closely inspect one of the curled leaves, it will contain, within the curl, the larvae of the insect. If you have the opportunity you could have someone knowledgeable inspect your tree. Here in the U.S., we have County Extension Agents that are usually associated with the University system that will make the house call for no charge (diagnostic only). Good luck!

[Thunderbird+]

This definately sounds like the common condition known as 'Peach leaf curl' It can be treated with 'Bordeaux mixture or copper oxychloride by following manufacturers instructions. Good Luck. Tbird+