What is leaf curl?
Leaf curl is one of the most common problems for growers of these stone fruits, and if you’ve seen it, you won’t forget it. Leaves emerge in spring twisted, puckered and blistered, often tinged red or pink before turning papery and dropping early. It’s caused by a fungus (Taphrina deformans) that overwinters in the bark and around buds, ready to infect new growth as temperatures rise. Left unmanaged, repeated infections weaken the tree over time, reducing vigour and fruit production.
Start with hygiene to prevent leaf curl
The good news is it’s very manageable with a consistent routine. Start with hygiene, rake up and bin any fallen leaves rather than composting them, removing the fungus’s favourite hiding spots.
Time your sprays for effective leaf curl control
Spraying is your main line of defence, and timing is everything. Apply a copper-based spray after leaf fall in late autumn or early winter, when the tree is fully dormant. Follow up with a second application just as the buds begin to swell in late winter or early spring, but before they open. Miss that window and you’ll be waiting another year for a second chance.
Stick to a simple leaf curl care routine
Stick to this two-spray routine each year and most trees will bounce back with clean, healthy foliage and a much better season ahead.
Another common pest for your fruit trees is the codling moth, read all about it here!
