How to Treat Peach Leaf Curl in Your Organic Orchard

In this video, Tricia will show you what Peach Leaf Curl is and how to treat and prevent it.

How to Manage Peach Leaf Curl Organically

Peach leaf curl is a common yet frustrating problem for gardeners who grow peaches and nectarines. This fungal disease causes unsightly red, crinkled leaves in spring and yellowing foliage in summer, which can weaken your tree and reduce fruit quality. Fortunately, with a few organic techniques, you can prevent and manage peach leaf curl effectively.

Understanding Peach Leaf Curl

Peach leaf curl thrives in wet, cool spring conditions. The fungus infects the leaves as they emerge, causing them to deform and eventually fall off. While most trees will grow a second set of leaves, this process takes energy away from fruit development and overall tree health.

Spring Management

Unfortunately, there’s little you can do to treat peach leaf curl in spring. However, you can help your tree recover by:

  • Watering Thoroughly: Ensure the tree is well-hydrated to reduce stress.
  • Foliar Feeding: Apply kelp and liquid fish sprays to stimulate leaf regrowth.
  • Thinning the Fruit: Remove excess fruit to reduce the burden on the tree's limited leaf canopy.

Preventative Measures

The best way to combat peach leaf curl is through prevention:

  • Apply Fungicide in Fall: Spray your tree with a fungicide like Liqui-Cop as soon as the leaves drop. This helps kill overwintering spores.
  • Use Horticultural Oil: Combine fungicide with horticultural oil to improve coverage and control other pests.
  • Follow Label Instructions: Always read and adhere to the product's directions to ensure safe and effective use.

Additional Tips

  • Avoid excessive fungicide runoff into the soil, as copper can harm beneficial organisms with repeated applications.
  • In areas with heavy rainfall, consider a second fungicide spray before bud swell.

With proper care and prevention, you can keep peach leaf curl at bay and enjoy a bountiful harvest of homegrown peaches. Grow organic for life!

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