Question
My neighbor has a peach tree and the peaches have black spots on the flesh and in some places the spots appear be have "crystallized" on the surface, this will rub off.  I am wondering what this may be, the tree appears fine.  Also are these safe to eat?

Answer
Melissa:
If these spots look like tiny crystallized "amber colored dew drops" this may be evidence of a small insect that has tunneled into the fruit. Wipe off this dew drop and look for a small puncture hole beneath.  If so, this may be a tiny insect called a plum curculio.  This is probably a small worm.  The "dew drop" is actually peach resin that has hardened.  The resin is produced in response to injury- in this case- probably an insect.  It can damage several stone fruits.  Sometimes we see it on the side of the tree- looks like a brownish "goo".  OK to hand eat the fruit, but watch out for a little "extra meat" when you take a bite! There are some insecticides for this critter, but they are best as protectants, that is they need to be applied to the tree before the insect gets there.

Regards
Steve