The peach leaf curl fungus, Taphrina deformans , can infect peach leaves, flowers, and fruit. Infected leaves pucker, thicken, curl and often turn red. Infected leaves eventually turn yellow and drop from the tree. Severe leaf drop can weaken the plant and reduce fruit quality. Fruit symptoms of raised, wrinkled areas, are often overlooked.
Control is impossible after the symptoms are visible.
Fungicides applied before bud break give good control. Usually one dormant application is sufficient. This application may be mixed with spray oil for scale and mite control. Apply all chemicals according to directions on the label. This disease can kill branches or trees and is caused by the fungus Botrysphaeria dothidea .