Peach Shot Hole Fungus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

If you are a fan of peaches, you know how frustrating it can be to see your beloved fruit covered in black spots. This is caused by the Peach Shot Hole Fungus, a common disease that affects peach trees. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of this fungus.

What Is Peach Shot Hole Fungus?

The Peach Shot Hole Fungus, also known as Wilsonomyces carpophilus, is a fungal disease that commonly affects stone fruit trees, including peaches, nectarines, plums, and apricots. The fungus infects the leaves, twigs, and fruit, causing characteristic circular spots with purple margins on the fruit.

Causes of Peach Shot Hole Fungus

The Peach Shot Hole Fungus thrives in cool, wet weather conditions. It typically infects trees during the spring, when the new leaves and fruit start to emerge. Rain or irrigation water can spread the spores from infected trees to healthy ones. The fungus can also survive on fallen leaves and fruit, which can serve as a source of infection for the following year.

Symptoms of Peach Shot Hole Fungus

The most noticeable symptom of Peach Shot Hole Fungus is the circular spots with purple margins on the fruit. These spots can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. As the disease progresses, the spots may become sunken and dark brown or black in color. If left untreated, the fruit may become deformed and drop prematurely. In addition to the fruit, the fungus can also cause spotting on the leaves and twigs.

Treatment of Peach Shot Hole Fungus

The best way to manage Peach Shot Hole Fungus is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. This can be done by practicing good sanitation practices, such as removing fallen leaves and fruit from around the tree and pruning out infected twigs and branches. Avoiding overhead watering and planting trees in well-draining soil can also help reduce the risk of infection.

If your tree is already infected, there are fungicides available that can help control the disease. It is important to choose a fungicide that is labeled for use on stone fruit and follow the instructions carefully. Fungicides should be applied when the tree is dormant in the winter and again in the spring just before bud break.

Peach Shot Hole Fungus Spots on Fruit

Peach Shot Hole Fungus can be a frustrating disease for peach growers, but it can be managed with proper care and treatment. By practicing good sanitation practices and using fungicides when necessary, you can keep your peach trees healthy and productive.

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