peach leaf curl

Peach leaf curl is a plant disease caused by the fungus Taphrina deformans. This disease, along with others characterized by curling leaves, can be caused by fungi of the genus Taphrina or by viruses.123

When infected leaves emerge after cold, wet weather, they become swollen, crinkled, and distorted, often displaying blisters in various colors. These leaves typically die and fall off early, which can weaken the plant, though a second set of healthy leaves may grow later. The disease can also affect young fruits, causing them to drop prematurely or develop discolored, warty spots. In some cases, like with plums, the fruit can become greatly swollen and distorted.3

While peach leaf curl can lead to agricultural losses, the disease is generally not lethal and can be managed with fungicides. Applications are often made in the fall after leaves drop, and treatments during an outbreak can help reduce its spread. Resistant plant varieties have also been developed.3