If you are a lover of fruit trees, we are going to explain how to treat and recognize some of the diseases of the peach or peach tree. These diseases are accused of different factors such as pathogenic fungi and bacteria that affect the plant in a generalized way, producing different symptoms. Some of these are easy to see and recognize as necrotic spots, wrinkled leaves, and bad fruit. Fruit trees in general, in addition to the peach tree, are also very susceptible to contracting pests because of their juicy fruits that attract all kinds of insects that are harmful to their growth. Therefore, at the end of this article, you will also find some of the pests that fruit trees usually have and, specifically, the peach tree.
So, if you are interested in fruit trees, keep reading this article on 5 diseases of the peach tree, their treatments, and how to prevent them.
Monilinia laxa or monilinia
This is one of the most common diseases in fruit trees that produce stone fruits or drupes . The main symptoms of Monilinia laxa or monilinia in the peach tree is that you can distinguish it if you see that a powder or mold appears on the whitish peaches . In addition, if this is not treated quickly, it can also cause cankers on the branches and shoots, as well as defoliation or premature drop of the fruits .
Even when it begins to develop, it creates a gummy effect , due to the exudation that it produces when the fresh parts of the tree are infected. We recommend using ecological fungicides that contain copper or sulfur before spring arrives since, like most pests and diseases, monilia appears when temperatures rise. It is also not a bad idea to carry out a preventive pruning to aerate the crown and favor the entry of light to avoid high humidity concentrations in the tree.
Podosphaera pannosa or powdery mildew
As in the previous case, the one commonly known as powdery mildew or Podosphaera pannosa , is another of the diseases of peach trees , or rather typical of stone fruit trees, since it affects a variety of trees and also other plants.
Specifically, this disease mainly affects the leaves, which end up covered in white powder and taking on a curled appearance that hinders the tree’s ability to perform photosynthesis correctly. For this reason, the plant weakens and ends up affecting the production of new fruits. The best way to prevent this disease is to remove the affected parts or do a preventive pruning before spring. If it appears, it is best to use ecological fungicides.
Stigmina Carpophila or screening
Although it is also known as shot, due to the similar appearance that the leaves take due to the disease, the Stigmia Carpophila or screening comes from a fungus that affects not only the leaves but also the buds and even the flowers.
The best way to recognize it is by observing those rounded marks that, in addition, necrose the edge until creating a hole. A natural way to avoid this peach disease is to ensure that the tree does not have excess moisture.
Taphrina deformans or dent
This type of fungus appears during the spring, just when the plant begins to move more sap again. Also known as leaf leprosy , the dent or Taphrina deformans is also very easy to identify, since it begins with a clear hypertrophy of the leaves. Later it also affects their coloring and even dries them.
The result is a defoliation and, therefore, a strong weakening of the tree. In this case we also recommend that you use ecological fungicides during the winter, specifically those that contain copper or sulfur.
Xanthomona arboricola pv pruni or black spot
The disease black spot is caused by a bacteria ( Xanthomonas arboricola pv pruni ) which particularly affects the peach tree. It begins with a premature and very severe defoliation so it is very easy to recognize. This causes the plant to weaken and as a result the fruits have spots, they are very small and not very edible . It also presents other symptoms such as spots on the leaves or yellowing before the fall. In addition, the fruits can also present cracks that, if not treated with fungicides, can end in rottenness before even reaching the maturity stage of the fruit.
How to avoid peach tree diseases
After listing the most common peach diseases, it is easy to conclude that the best way to avoid future diseases is to carry out a preventive treatment with ecological fungicides and pruning during the winter .
The latter is highly recommended because, in addition to improving the crown and favoring the growth of new and stronger branches, we will avoid creating spaces where moisture is concentrated. That the branches are well aerated before spring begins and, therefore, the flowering season, is one of the simplest and easiest natural methods to apply to combat these diseases that are so harmful to fruit trees.
Peach tree pests
Here are some of the most common pests of peaches :
Panonychus ulmi and Tetranychus urticae
These two species of mites are highly polyphagous and tend to attack, above all, shoots and leaves. The bites of these mites cause, if not treated in time, the weakening of the plant, especially leaving the peach tree without leaves .
Ceratitis capitata
Commonly known as a fruit fly , it usually appears when temperatures begin to rise in spring. This pest mainly affects the fruits of the peach tree. The fly places the eggs inside the peaches that can no longer be eaten.
Myzus persicae
The aphid of the peach tree is another of the most common pests of the peach, especially species such as Myzus persicae and Brachycaudus swchartzi . These aphids measure between 1.5 and 3 mm and also cause damage to the plant through direct bites on the leaves, mainly. These bites end up secreting molasses that increases the risk of diseases such as bold.
