DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS
Infected buds on peaches and nectarines produce leaves in spring with a reddish tinge, a thick, crisp texture and curled growth. Leaves become powdery grey in colour, then turn yellow or brown and fall off.
This fungus disease is more prevalent when spring weather is wet and cool. Early leaf drop causes weakening of the tree, making them more susceptible to other diseases, and causing reduced yields.
PREVENTION AND CONTROL
• Rake up and destroy or dispose of fallen leaves, and prune off damaged leaves or twigs in spring.
• Apply dormant spray (Dormant oil and Lime Sulfur) during the dormant season. Copper Spray should be applied in September, and again in early spring.
• Fertilize trees which have to lost foliage to increase vigour.
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Later's Dormant Oil
Later' s Dormant Oil Spray is a clean up spray for the time when fruit trees are dormant. It can be used with or without Later's Lime Sulphur Solution. When used with Lime Sulphur, the spray also controls Scab and Brown Rot on Apples, Pears, Plums, Prunes, Cherries, Currants and Gooseberries.