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Peach Tree Disease #867472

Asked May 07, 2024, 5:11 PM EDT

Our peach tree has had this two years in a row and is worse this year. Neem oil has not helped. We don’t know what it is or what to do about it and don’t want it to spread to any of our other fruit trees.

Franklin County Ohio

Expert Response

HI Elizabeth,

Thank you for your question and your pictures. Your tree has Peach Leaf Curl. This is a fungus that develops and reproduces quickly. I also overwinters in your tree until the following spring. Hence it has appeared two years in a row.

Treatment you should do from now through late winter is just a few items. Prune the tree more than you normally would. This helps prevent the fungus from spreading. Water consistently during our coming dry spells. Apply a copper based fungicide in late fall and again in late winter before the buds swell. You may have to do this over two years.

For additional assistance you have the OSU Extension, Franklin County, 2548 Carmack Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43210 <personal data hidden>. They have a knowledgeable staff and have an "Infoline" to answer questions. https://ohioline.osu.edu is a library of hundreds of fact sheets on yard, garden, landscape, orchard and other agricultural topics. Browse and enjoy the  information. https://bygl.osu.edu is the Buckeye Yard & Garden onLine newsletter. It is a free subscription newsletter you can get weekly during the growing season that gives you timely research on the latest happenings in Ohio.

I hope that I have been helpful and not too chatty.

Mike Heys, Franklin County Master Gardener

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 15, 2024, 7:40 PM EDT

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