What does it look like?

Leaves appear blistered and curled up, the affected areas are much thicker than the normal leaves. The diseased leaves start off pale green in colour but change into a deep red/purple as the infection progresses. The fungus infected area then develops into a white bloom and the leaves fall off.

What does it do?

Peach leaf curl is a fungus which attacks the new foliage on peach, nectarine, almonds and apricots (apricots have slightly different symptoms, the whole shoots are affected). The fungus infects new leaves while they are emerging from the buds, causing disfigurement and loss of foliage. New leaves will grow back, but these first leaves are important in producing a burst of energy to get the plant off to a good start. Fruit may be infected too, it will not mature and will usually drop off.

Can we live with it?

No, this will weaken the tree causing it to become unproductive if it is not controlled.

Control

Once you see symptoms of this disease it's really too late to control for that season. While the trees are dormant in winter, it is a good idea to apply a Lime Sulfur Spray, this will help control pest and disease, including the leaf curl. At budswell (when the buds are about to burst) apply a Copper Oxychloride spray such as Yates Fungus Fighter. Be sure to rake up and dispose of any diseased leaves on the ground to prevent the fungal spores getting back on the tree.