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Peach tree leaves #835453

Asked June 13, 2023, 4:05 PM EDT

These are leaves from my peach tree, it looks like shotgun disease, it is getting worse even though I have sprayed for peach leaf curl. What can I do to save my tree? Heide Seeman

Jackson County Oregon

Expert Response

I think you mean shothole disease. My best diagnosis on the basis of the two leaves you sent (thank you) is that your tree is still suffering from leaf curl. You sprayed (once?) but multiple sprays may have been necessary this last spring, as the rain persisted into the months when the trees were leafing out. Timing this fungal disease is not always easy. There is no reason not to spray again and see what happens. Use an organic spray if possible and if there are fruit forming, don't spray on the fruit if at all possible. the only other villain in this incident may be peach borer. Check the bottom of the trunk and if you see jelly-like masses, your troubled leaves are the result of this disease. It is very difficult to cure once established. Pruning the diseased parts sometimes helps; check with the nursery supply for the best spray to use. Take heart in the fact that peaches are probably one of the more difficult fruits to grow in the Northwest. A lot has to do with the climate (not cold enough in winter, sometimes too wet in spring). Should you lose your tree, replace it with one of the varieties suitable for the Northwest. I encourage you to consult two publications that you can download from extension.oregonstate.edu/publications. Look for EC631 "Managing Diseases and Insects in  Home Orchards" and EC819, "Growing Tree Fruits and Nuts in the Home Orchard."
marjorie n. OSU Ext. Master Gardener Replied June 14, 2023, 7:26 PM EDT

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