Peach leaf curl

This fungus is a recurring phenomenon and happens every year at about that time when humidity levels are very high.
it effects mainly Peach trees as suggested by the name but also Almond trees (all photos in this post are of Almond trees).

in the two above photos you can see how many of the recent leaves (as these trees are deciduous), curl up and shrivel. they will eventually dry out and fall off.

healthy leaves on another tree on a part of it that is not effected.

a recently germinated Almond tree in the nursery, not showing any sign of the fungus.

I have been observing this disease for many years and even though got recommendations for different possible treatments, had the hunch (as I tend to) to let nature do what it does, as it knows best.
I observed how young trees are effected the first year and how their immune system improves and handles the fungus way better on the second year and so forth.

all that really happens is due to the loss of leaves, the trees lose energy and growth time.
as the leaves dry out and fall off, the tree produces new, un effected leaves and goes on with its life.

our biggest and oldest Almond tree showing no signs of fungus at all.

standing tall and healthy, this tree developed resistance to the fungus and no longer shows any signs of it.

the above has been observed in the same way on our Peach trees as well.
they suffer most the first year then less and less with every year that passes until eventually developing full resistance.

conclusion:
even though there are many conventional and natural ways of treating this disease (foliar sprays, organic and non organic fungicides etc.) sometimes the best cure is letting nature do what it does best and just get out of its way, observe and learn.

p.s. genetics plays a major role in the vulnerability to this fungus and the resistance to it.
as part of my approach, the more genetic variety on the farm, the better. some varieties are naturally resistant while others have to achieve it over time.

thank you for stopping by 🙏
wishing us all a peaceful week ahead
published at 18:18