Peach Leaf Curl - Taphrina deformans

Taphrina deformans is a gall causing fungus that infects the leaves of Prunus species, especially Peach causing the leaves to become distorted, puckered and thickened with the distorted area usually reddening.

Taphrina deformans infects Prunus species such as peach and nectarine also almond and occasionally apricot and ornamental Prunus.

Most visible in spring and summer when the host trees come into leaf.

As infection progresses, affected leaves turn grey with a powdery appearance as a result of the production of fungal spores on the leaf surface. Shortly thereafter these leaves turn yellow or brown and drop. Fruit which becomes infected tends to drop shortly after infection occurs.

Widespread in England but not well recorded.

Uncommon or under recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.