The Botanical Diary
L
ViralSpring–Summer

Leaf Curl

Leaf Curl — a viral disease affecting garden plants.

Danger level
Moderate
Leaf Curl

Symptoms of Leaf Curl

Leaves curl, pucker and distort, often turning red or purple. Blistered appearance. Causes significant reduction in photosynthesis and fruit production. Most damaging on peaches and nectarines.

How to treat Leaf Curl

Apply copper fungicide at bud swell in early spring — this is the only effective timing. Remove and destroy all affected leaves. No treatment is effective once symptoms appear. Repeat copper application every year.