Death of trees due to repeated loss of foliage. This generally takes a period of approximately 3 to 5 years. Terminal twigs may die back. Blossoms may fail to set fruit or the young fruit may drop. Fruit set may be reduced or prevented in the following year.
Affected trees are more susceptible to winterkill.
In the following spring, the spores are washed into the opening buds. Infection occurs mainly during a short period when the leaf buds are breaking dormancy and starting to swell and open. As the leaves grow and mature, they are less susceptible to infection. It has generally been observed that peach leaf-curl is favoured by cold, wet weather when the leaf buds are breaking dormancy and beginning to open. Temperatures of 10 to 15C are favourable for infection, but at 21C or above, if the leaves are growing rapidly, the fungus may die even though infection has started.