The strongest branch attachments form 40 to 90 degree angles with the trunk. Dormant oil spray can also be applied now to apples to control San Jose scale, eggs of European spider mites and eggs of rosy apple aphid. Spray only when temperature will not drop to freezing for 24 hours following spray application. Peaches should be sprayed now with captan or multipurpose fruit spray if peach leaf curl has been a problem. Peach leaf curl appears as a thickening, curling and puckering of leaves.
Fruits become swollen and deformed.
Fruit may be hollow with thick spongy flesh. Dormant fungicide spray on peaches is critical since it is the only spray that will control this disease. Be sure to read and follow all label directions. Bring your garden questions to the Master Gardener display at the Plant Sciences greenhouses during the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Open House from 9am-4pm on Friday, March 3 and Saturday, March 4.