Peach Tree Black Leaves: Fire Blight Diagnosis and Control

All Leaves Turn Black, No Insects Seen

Peach tree leaves entirely black without apparent insects.

Diagnosis: Fire Blight

Bacterial disease (Erwinia amylovora) destructive on peach, apple, pear. Blossoms wilt, turn black; twigs show scorched appearance, leaves cling. Tips crook like fish hook. Bark shriveled, inner bark water-soaked reddish-brown. Cankers sunken, darker.

Control Measures

• Sanitation: Prune infected limbs late winter (less spread). Cut 8–12" below diseased tissue. Sterilize tools between cuts (70% denatured alcohol or 10% bleach).
• Chemical: Streptomycin (Agri-Strep) during bloom—3–4 applications. Not after bloom except post-hail.
• Cultural: Balanced fertilizer, low nitrogen. Remove suckers.
• Resistant Varieties: Plant fire blight resistant cultivars.