| Is there any connection between peach leaf curl disease and lilac bushes? We have been told our peach trees have this disease due to the close proximity of the lilac bushes. |
| Peach leaf curl is caused by Taphrina deformans, a fungus. The spores overwinter on bark, twigs, and old infected leaves. Infection occurs through bud scales in mid- to late winter just as buds begin to swell. Taphrina infects both peach and plum trees, but lilac (syringa) is not an alternate host and shouldn't be blamed for causing the disease in your peaches. To maintain the health of your landscape plants, be sure to provide plenty of air circulation around each, and lots of elbow room so they can reach their full potential. |
