| I just received a gift of a fruit dwarf peach tree from a friend from a very reputable nursery here. All the leaves are rolled (inward- like perfect little cigarshapped leaves) not curled and I don't know why they are like that. It has received plenty of water etc. The tree is very young, about 2 feet high and has quite a few bloosoms and a few fruit starting to show. |
| It may be that your tree is simply adjusting to its new home and once the roots are established, it should perk up. On the other hand, it may be symptoms of a fungal disease called Peach Leaf Curl. Peach leaf curl is a fungal disease that attacks the leaves as they are unfurling. The fungus first causes reddening and cupping of the leaves. The second stage is the development of a dusty white coating of spores. If these spores travel to the fruit, the fruit may show a reddish growth on the surface. The fruit is safe to eat, even if the surface is infected. If possible, pick the leaves off prior to the development of the spores so the fruit won't become infected. You won't want to completely denude your tree - it takes 40 healthy leaves for each developing fruit to provide the tree with the energy to ripen the fruit and maintain overall health. Discard all leaves and fallen fruit at the end of the season. A final thought - unfurl a few of the leaves to see if you can find insects or insect eggs. Leaf rollers actually knit the leaves together with a webbing type material to hide and protect their offspring. If none of these descriptions fits your new tree, you might want to take a few leaves to your local nursery where they can be inspected and diagnosed. Best wishes with your new peach tree! |
