Bacterial Spot (Peaches)

Description: This is one of the most destructive diseases in all areas east of the Rockies.

Symptoms: Symptoms are first visible about 3 to 5 weeks after petal fall as small, water-soaked, browning lesions. Early symptoms on fruit can be mistaken for insect damage. During periods of high humidity, gum may exude from these lesions.

Solution: Choose resistant varieties if possible. Spray Soap-Shield^® Fungicidal Soap at bloom and for several weeks after bloom to reduce diseased fruit. A fall spray, near leaf drop and again in early spring (dormant and pre-blossom) may be helpful in reducing overwintering disease and thus reducing infection of new season growth. While bacterial spot damage can be reduced, it is very difficult to eliminate altogether.