The disease overwinters on twig lesions. The fruit symptoms may be confused with those of bacterial spot. Bacterial spot occurs on leaves, twigs and fruit. The leaf symptoms begin as a deep purple to brown spot surrounded by a pale green halo. As the leaf expands, the infected spots separate and drop out leaving a ragged or shot-hole appearance.
Many infected leaves turn yellow and drop resulting in premature defoliation.
Twig infections appear as darkened areas with water soaked margins and may cause twig die-back. Heavily infected fruit may crack open and occasionally show gumming. Varieties vary widely in susceptibility to bacterial spot. The fruit symptoms may be confused with those of peach scab. Injuries in fully matured fruit act as infection sites for Rhizopus rot.