Question:
Last year, my nectarine tree had a big problem with Peach Leaf Curl. I've been spraying it in January with a Copper Spray after pruning. What else do I need to do to prevent this?Answer:
- Peach Leaf Curl is a water-activated fungal disease that affects the leaves and shoots of peaches and nectarine trees.
- Curly leaves on any other fruit tree type is another problem with a different solution.
- To control Peach Leaf Curl, you need to apply the right product at the right time and then need some help from Mother Nature.
- The fungal spores overwinter on the bark and in the cracks and crevices of the tree. The tree bark constricts with cold weather, so getting that first application on is critical while the daytime temperatures are above sixty degrees and dry.
- A Copper Fungicide is the recommended control, and it's organic. Apply your first application in the late fall, around Thanksgiving, or when fifty percent of the leaves have dropped off.
- This is a change in conventional thinking.
- The second application is made in February when the peach and nectarine buds are about to open. This is called the 'Pink Bud' or 'Popcorn Stage.' This is when the emerging leaves are the most susceptible to the fungus.
- Wet, damp weather triggers the infection as the spores wash into the open or opening buds. The fungus grows between the leaf cells, stimulating them to divide and grow larger than normal, causing swelling and distortion.
- The puckering is reddish as the red plant pigments accumulate in the distorted cells. The thickened areas then turn yellowish and then grayish-white as the fungus produces spores on the leaf surface.
- Usually, the diseased leaves fall off within a few weeks and are replaced by new, healthy ones. However, if it's rainy, a second infestation can occur.
- If we have dry weather during flowering, then there is an excellent chance that Peach Leaf Curl will be minor or none at all. The development of Peach Leaf Curl ceases when young tissue is no longer developing, or the weather turns dry and warmer.
- It was quite wet last year. Hence, the problem was widespread, but we needed water.
Question:
I installed a new lawn four months ago. Is it too late to feed it?Answer:
- No. It's not too late to feed turf. Lawns are fed once between Labor Day and Thanksgiving.
- Fall is a crucial time of the year to feed grass, as it is at this time that the new grass plants form. Another benefit is that the grass remains green during cold temperatures and doesn't turn that ugly yellow/brown color.
- From January through June, I'd feed it twice, every six to eight weeks, depending on the fertilizer, and skip the months of July and August. Your grass will respond by staying green year-round.