Watch for Peach Leaf Curl!
Time to spray to prevent Peach Leaf Curl
Searcy, Ark. – Alert!! If you had problems with Peach Leaf Curl this season, we are rapidly approaching the window to spray to prevent the disease next season.
Peach leaf curl is easily controlled with one well-timed fungicide application in the fall after 90% of the leaves have dropped, or very early in the spring before the buds begin to swell.
Chlorothalonil or copper sprays are effective. It is too late for chemical control this spring, but if only a few leaves are infected, they may be handpicked and destroyed to reduce inoculum levels.
By the time the tree leafs out and the symptoms of Peach Leaf Curl are evident, it is too late to spray during the current season. Spores from the fungus Taphrina deformans overwinters on twigs and bud scales.
Infection occurs at bud break early in the spring during cool, wet weather.
Blister-like swellings, curling, thickening, puckering, and discoloration of the leaves are the first symptoms of Peach leaf curl.
Affected areas may turn pink, red or yellow. In severe cases, defoliation occurs along with substantial yield loss.
The University of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. For more information you can contact your local county extension service, you can also follow Sherri Sanders on Facebook @UADA.WhiteCountyAgriculture .
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By Sherri Sanders
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Sherri Sanders
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
2400 Old Searcy Landing Road Searcy AR 72143
(501) 268-5394
ssanders@uada.edu
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative
action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need
materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other
appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons
regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin,
religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any
other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.