If you are a lover of fruit trees, in EcologíaVerde, we are going to explain how to treat and recognize some of the peach tree diseases or peach. These diseases are caused by different factors such as pathogenic fungi and bacteria that generally affect the plant, producing different symptoms. Some of these are easy to see and recognize such as necrotic spots, wrinkled leaves, and spoiled fruit. Fruit trees in general, in addition to the peach tree, are also very susceptible to contracting pests due to their juicy fruits that attract all kinds of insects that are harmful to their growth. For this reason, 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. Main symptoms of Monilinia laxa or monilinia in the peach tree is that you will be able to distinguish it if you see that a powder or mold on peaches whitish in color In addition, if it is not treated quickly, it can also cause cankers on the branches and shoots, as well as defoliation or premature fruit drop.
Even when it begins to develop, it creates a gummosis effect, due to the exudation that it produces when the fresh parts of the tree are infected. We recommend you use ecological fungicides that contain copper or sulfur before spring arrives since, like most pests and diseases, monilia appears when temperatures rise. Here we tell you how to make homemade fungicides for fruit trees. It is also not a bad idea to carry out 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 odium or Podosphaera pannosais another of the diseases of peach treesor 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 one curled appearance that hinders the ability of the tree to carry out photosynthesis correctly. Because of this, 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 carry out preventive pruning before spring. If it appears, it is best to use organic fungicides. Also, here you can learn more about How to combat powdery mildew with home remedies.
Stigmina Carpophila or screening
Although it is also known as birdshot, due to the similar appearance that the leaves take on due to the disease, the Stigma Carpophila or screening it 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, necrotize 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 spring, just when the plant begins to move a greater amount of sap again. Also known as leaf leprosythe dent or Taphrina deformans it is also very easy to identify, since it begins with a clear hypertrophy of the leaves. Later it also affects their coloration and even dries them out.
The result is a defoliation and thus a strong weakening of the tree. In this case we also recommend that you use ecological fungicides during the winter, specifically those containing copper or sulfur.
Xanthomona arboricola pv pruni or black spot
The black spot disease is caused by a bacteria (Xanthomona arboricola pv pruni) which especially affects the peach tree. It starts 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, 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 up in rotting before even reaching the maturity phase of the fruit.
How to avoid peach diseases
After listing the most common peach tree diseases It is easy to conclude that the best way to avoid future illnesses is to carry out a preventive treatment with ecological fungicides and one pruning during winter.
The latter is highly recommended because, in addition to improving the crown and favoring the growth of new and stronger branches, we will prevent the creation of spaces where moisture concentrates. 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
Next, we show you some of the most common pests of peaches:
Panonychus ulmi and Tetranychus urticae
These two species of Mites they are very polyphagous and tend to attack, above all, the shoots and leaves. The bites of these mites cause, if they are not treated in time, the weakening of the plant, especially leaving the peach tree without leaves.
Ceratitis capitata
Commonly known as fruit fly, usually appears when temperatures begin to rise in spring. This plague mainly affects the fruits of the peach tree. The fly lays its eggs inside peaches that can no longer be eaten.
Myzus persicae
The peach tree aphids are another of the most common pests of the peach tree, especially species such as Myzus persicae Y 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.
Now that you know these few pests, but especially the main diseases of peach trees, we advise you to learn about How to germinate a peach seed and plant it and How to grow fruit trees in pots with these other articles from EcologíaVerde.
If you want to read more articles similar to peach tree diseaseswe recommend that you enter our category .
