Phony Peach Symptoms on Peach
Phony Peach (bacterium - Xylella fastidiosa): This disease does not
cause rapid death of trees but results in reduced growth and fruit
size. Twigs on diseased trees have shortened internodes and
increased lateral branching. The general appearance is a dwarfed,
compact growth pattern with dark green foliage. After a few years,
the wood becomes brittle and terminal dieback is common. Infected
trees leaf out first in the spring and hold their foliage later in
the fall. Fruit also ripens earlier on diseased trees. Disease is
spread by root grafting and leafhoppers. Remove all trees showing
symptoms of phony peach and destroy wild plums growing near the
orchard.
February, 1996
