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What is the likely cause of the bobbly forms on the leaves of a peach tree? Does it matter or is it just some natural anomaly that doesn't affect the tree's health? If is it a concern how can it be treated?

The tree in question is about 1m (3 ft) tall, so not very close to maturity yet.

On the left is a bottom view of a bobbly leaf; on the right is top view.

UPDATE: Further to the question, can anyone give information about how leaf curl is different when cause by a virus (e.g. Begomovirus) instead of the Taphrina deformans fungus which is apparently the much more common cause? And how would treat it differently?

Peach leaves showing bobbly forms enter image description here

Lisa
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2 Answers2

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Pretty sure that's Peach Leaf Curl. My tree's were hit by that pretty bad this last year. I spoke with a few people and from what I understand the solution is to apply a fungicide in either late fall (when most of the leaves are gone) or early spring (when they are budding). Something like this

I sprayed my tree's down but I haven't had a chance to see how well it works. Hope this helps!

Abe Miessler
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I agree with @Abe Miessler's diagnosis of peach leaf curl. Last year one of my peach trees had a bad case of this -- the other one 30' away was mostly unaffected. (One of the recommendations for prevention is to plant resistant varieties.)

I'm not sure where I read this, but once you've got it, you can't cure it this season -- you can only prevent it next season.

The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Pest and Disease Control (Bradley et al) describes peach leaf curl on p. 324:

  • Plant resistant cultivars.
  • Remove and destroy infected leaves.

That reference says it's worst in cold, wet springs. You can apply a preventive spray of lime sulfur (calcium polysulfide) (or "Bordeaux Mixture" -- a copper spray) either in the fall after leaf drop or in the spring before bud break. (See The Backyard Orchardist (Otto), p197.) Beware that copper-based sprays are toxic to fish and earthworms (at least), so don't overdo it. Beware that sulfur sprays can be toxic to the plants in hot, dry weather (see links below). Either of these sprays are fairly generic items that should be available at a well-stocked garden center or nursery.

It may not be practical advice for you at this point, but Handbook also suggests growing dwarf trees in pots where they won't be cold and wet in spring and then moving the pots outside for the summer.

Some other info:

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bstpierre
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