Peach Leaf Curl: Fungicide Spray Program Essential

Peach Leaf Curl: Fungicide Spray Program Essential

Peach tree (5 years) with leaves turning yellow-green-brown and curling annually, no edible fruit: peach leaf curl (fungus, Taphrina deformans). Requires preventive spray program.

Current Action

• Spray maneb fungicide now (even with small fruit).
• If fruit present, add insecticide (Sevin) for curculio/oriental fruit moth.

Annual Program

• Dormant spray: lime sulfur or copper in late winter.
• Bud swell: chlorothalonil or copper.
• Repeat per label through spring.
• Brown rot on fruit: additional sprays near harvest.

Reality

Peaches are high-maintenance. Consistent program yields edible fruit; neglect yields only curls.