Last summer the leaves on my peach tree were puckered and reddish in color. What was the problem?

Question:

Last summer the leaves on my peach tree were puckered and reddish in color. What was the problem?

Answer:

The symptoms are those of peach leaf curl.  Peach leaf curl is a fungal disease.  The disease is caused by the fungus Taphrina deformans.  Infections occur as the peach tree buds begin to swell in spring. 

A single fungicide application will control peach leaf curl.  Fungicides, such as chlorothalonil, should be applied in fall after leaf drop or in late March before the buds begin to swell.  To achieve control, all branches and twigs must be thoroughly sprayed.