Fruit trees such as the peach tree are very susceptible to contracting pests, because the fruits they generate attract numerous pests that in turn can attract diseases. Especially in hot seasons, it is necessary to check that the tree does not present any problem of this type, helping us with this guide to identify any problem.
We are going to analyze the main pests and diseases of the peach tree.
Index
PEACH TREE PESTS
MITES:
They are usually very small, around 0.5 mm, red in color, with white bumps (a way to distinguish it from other spiders). There are two very polyphagous species, ( Panonychus ulmi, Tetranychus urticae ). The damage caused by these mites on peach trees is characteristic of the leaves and shoots, caused by bites. Over time, the general weakening of the fruit tree and the defoliation of the leaves occurs.
Apparently nothing can be seen in the photo. You have to look closely to see very small red dots that correspond to mites. Specifically, the red mite.
These are the recommended and authorized treatments against mite species on peach trees.
FRUIT FLY
The activity of this pest, Ceratitis capitata begins with the heat, in spring, reaching maximum activity in summer. The damage occurs in the fruits by the effect of the bite, for the introduction of the eggs.
These are the recommended and authorized treatments against fruit flies ( Ceratitis capitata ).
Trap placement:
An effective method to reduce the population and attacks on the fruit is the setting of traps in the fruit trees. In the market we can find different shapes (conical, cubic, hemispherical, etc.), or even a homemade type such as 1.5 liter perforated water bottles.
It is advisable to place them on the south face of the tree, at an approximate height of 1.5 meters from the ground and protected from the Sun, to avoid the evaporation of the attractant solution that is used. According to the manifestation of Ceratitis capitata , a trap will be placed for every 6 trees if you want massive capture. At the home garden level , one trap can be placed per tree.
SAN JOSE LOUSE
This pest develops in late winter after hibernation. With the arrival of the heat (fortnight in May) the plague is visually observed. They cause damage to the fruits, reducing their commercialization. They present purplish spots on the leaves or on the veins of the leaves and reddish circular pits in fruits.
These are the recommended and authorized treatments against San José lice.
APHIDS ( MYZUS PERSICAE )
There are several species that attack the peach tree (( Myzus persicae, Brachycaudus swchartzi ) , they usually measure between 1.5 and 2 mm. They directly cause damage by biting with the stylet. In this way they produce leaf curl and general loss of vigor. By secreting molasses, they can cause diseases such as bold, as well as the transmission of viruses.
These are the recommended and authorized treatments against aphids in peach trees.
PEACH TREE DISEASES
We are going to analyze the main diseases of the peach tree and their treatment
DENT ( TAPHRINA DEFORMANS )
This fungus produces whitish green and bright pink or red deformations on the peach tree. The sheet becomes brittle and is coated with an off-white powder.
It causes the fall of the leaves and the deformation of fruits. When the leaves are deformed, at first, they constitute a refuge for pests, such as aphids.
Treatments against denting have to be carried out when the crop shows phenological state D (before flowering occurs), which is generally sufficient to reduce the disease. The treatments after this stage are complicated, and if the climatic conditions increase the humidity of the environment (due to rain and mild temperatures), the monilia will advance through the shoots and leaves, making it difficult to eradicate.
These are the recommended and authorized treatments against dent or leprosy.
MONILIA ( MONILIA LAXA, M. FRUTIGENA, M. FRUCTICOLA )
This fungus significantly affects the peach tree. It manifests itself in the time of flowering and ripening of the fruits. They cause damage reducing production, leading to defoliation and premature fruit drop.
These are the recommended and authorized treatments against monilia in peach trees .
POWDERY MILDEW ( SPHAEROTHECA PANNOSA, PODOSPHAERA TRIDACTYLA )
Powdery mildew is found in the type of diseases of the peach tree that cause an important affection on the crop. Spots in the form of white powder appear on fruits, shoots or leaves. In the fruits spots are formed and produces a general weakening of the tree, reducing production.