Growing Leaf Curl Resistant Peach Trees

Peach leaf curl is a frustrating fungal disease that can severely weaken and defoliate peach trees. It causes curled, distorted leaves that turn red or purplish and eventual leaf drop. Luckily, planting resistant peach varieties can help avoid this issue.

Overview of Peach Leaf Curl

Peach leaf curl is caused by the fungus Taphrina deformans. Spores infect emerging leaves in spring, causing distorted growth. Symptoms include:

• Leaves pucker, curl, and become thickened.

• Leaves turn red, purple, yellow or white.

• Infected leaves fall off, leaving trees bare.

If uncontrolled the disease inhibits fruit production and vigor. Trees can be defoliated for consecutive years. Severe infections may kill young trees.

Leaf curl thrives in cool, wet spring weather Rain spreads spores Once leaves emerge, trees are highly vulnerable.

Impacts of Peach Leaf Curl

When peach leaf curl takes hold, it has several damaging effects:

• Reduced photosynthesis due to lack of leaves

• Loss of fruit crop yield

• Increased susceptibility to other diseases

• Lack of winter hardiness and winter kill

• Eventual tree decline and death

Controlling the disease requires diligent fungicide applications at leaf emergence. But resistant varieties provide an easier, chemical-free solution.

Choosing Resistant Peach Varieties

The best defense against peach leaf curl is planting resistant or tolerant varieties. Here are top options:

Frost

• White-fleshed freestone peach

• Moderately resistant

• Late harvest

• Sweet, mild flavor

Q-1-8

• White-fleshed semi-freestone

• Highly tolerant

• Ripens late July

• Large, firm fruit

Muir

• Yellow-fleshed freestone

• Good leaf curl resistance

• Ripens late July/early August

• Sweet, juicy flesh

Indian Free

• Yellow-fleshed freestone

• Reported resistance

• Ripens late July

• Rich flavor, semi-firm flesh

Clayton

• White-fleshed freestone

• Some tolerance

• Early August harvest

• Mild, sweet flavor

Growing and Care

Resistant peach trees require the same care as other varieties:

• Plant in well-draining soil in full sun

• Space trees at least 8-10 feet apart

• Fertilize in spring and summer

• Prune annually for shape and growth

• Thin fruit after blossoms drop

• Protect from deer and rodents

• Apply organic fungicide spray before leaf emergence the first 2-3 seasons

Expanding Options for Resistant Varieties

While the above varieties offer good resistance, researchers are working to expand options:

• Breeding programs focus on leaf curl immunity and fruit quality.

• DNA analysis identifies genetic sources of resistance for crossover breeding.

• Markers can screen seedlings for resistance genes.

• Identifying sources of resistance in various peach types broadens options.

• Resistant rootstocks show promise for expanded disease control.

In coming years, expanded selections of tasty, leaf curl resistant peach trees will become available to growers. This will reduce reliance on fungicides and help avoid frustrations with this prevalent disease.

Enjoy Peaches Without the Leaf Curl Hassle

You can succeed with peaches, even where leaf curl runs rampant. Select resistant varieties matched to your climate and growing conditions. With the right cultivars and care, you can harvest bushels of delicious, homegrown peaches.