Common diseases of the peach tree and their treatment

Common diseases of the peach tree and their treatment

Fungal diseases

Fungi can basically colonize all parts of a tree and damage it so severely that it dies with repeated infestation. With many fungal diseases, only the chemical club really helps, especially with the very common curl disease. The best remedy, however, is prevention: selection of the right location, regular pruning of the tree and moderate fertilization (especially sufficient, but not excessive, nitrogen!).

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Frizziness

The leaves in particular show blistered swellings from white-green to red in color and are eventually thrown off. The only effective means is to spray before the buds burst. There are currently two approved agents for the hobby area.

Shotgun Sickness

Small, reddish spots appear on the leaves, which later fall out. The leaves look like they are perforated. Bark and fruits can also be affected. Treatment is necessary if the occurrence is more severe, and suitable fungicides are sprayed when budding occurs. In addition, infected areas should be removed. For prevention, tree tops should be kept as light as possible.

Peach powdery mildew

Powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Podosphaera pannosa, which spreads particularly in summer temperatures and high humidity. The fungus causes white coating on shoots, leaves and fruits, and also deforms them. If the infestation is low, it is sufficient to cut it out; if the infestation is severe, fungicides must be sprayed on.

Shoot tip drought

The shoot tip drought is also known as branch monilia. It occurs during the flowering period, especially in rainy weather. Suddenly the flowers wither and dry up, shoots and leaves also die. As a preventive measure, it should be pruned annually after the harvest. If affected shoots occur, cut back up to 10 centimeters into the healthy wood immediately. If the infestation is severe, you can spray an organic fungicide (which is not dangerous to bees) directly into the flowers.

Monilia fruit rot

The Monilia fungus attacks fruits of all pome and stone fruit species, including peaches. Initially, they have small rotten spots that quickly enlarge. Around these, ring-shaped, gray-brown colored fruiting bodies of the fungus develop (so-called cushion mold). The disease is spread particularly by wasps during fruit ripening. Control: Removal of the infected fruits, also in winter.

Peach scab

Scab occurs in all pome and stone fruit species and mainly affects leaves and fruits. Dark spots form here that harden quickly. In case of scab infestation or for prevention, spray with an organic fungicide before and after flowering.

Pest infestation

Aphids

Aphid infestation is shown by crippled and rolled up leaves and compressed shoots. The treatment is carried out with a chemical insect repellent or biologically by beneficial insects such. B. Lacewing. However, such a treatment in the field is not possible, the peach tree would have to be wrapped in foil beforehand.

Fruit tree spider mite

If there is an infestation by spider mites, small, whitish spots appear on the leaves, and the leaves are colored lead-gray to bronze. On closer inspection, the mites themselves can be seen as very small, reddish colored animals. The eggs, which are also reddish, are laid in winter. Spider mites suck the sap from the plant and thus damage it.

Common bowl louse

A scale insect infestation can be recognized by (severely) weakened plant growth, and there is often a black coating on leaves and bark (sooty mildew). The scale insects themselves are often visible as a black coating on leaves and bark. The treatment is similar to that of the olive tree.

Tips & Tricks

According to the “Ordinance on Plant Protection Products which are Harmful to Bees”, it is forbidden to treat flowering plants with substances harmful to bees. The packaging of plant protection products that are dangerous to bees reads “Warning! Dangerous for bees! ”.