Peach leaf curl occurs annually in commercial and residential orchards throughout Kentucky. The disease causes severe defoliation, weakens trees, and reduces fruit quality, fruit set, and yield. Peaches, apricots, and nectarines are susceptible to peach leaf curl. Plum pockets is a similar, but less common, disease that occurs on wild and cultivated plums.
This Extension fact sheet covers both diseases, providing basic information on symptoms, cause, and disease development, as well as management options. Color photos are provided to aid in diagnosis.
Peach Leaf Curl and Plum Pockets (PPFS-FR-T-01) is available online.
For additional publications on fruit diseases, visit the UK Plant Pathology Extension Publications webpage.
By Cheryl Kaiser, Plant Pathology Extension Support, and Nicole Gauthier, Plant Pathology Extension Specialist
Kentucky Pest News 