Look for
Leaves—Small, angular, water-soaked spots at the tip end of the leaf eventually turn brown or black. Centers of spots often fall out and are surrounded by a reddish margin. Severely infected leaves turn yellow and fall off.
—Small, angular, water-soaked spots at the tip end of the leaf eventually turn brown or black. Centers of spots often fall out and are surrounded by a reddish margin. Severely infected leaves turn yellow and fall off.Fruit—Become pitted or cracked if infected early in the season. Late-season infections are shallower, giving the fruit a mottled appearance.
—Become pitted or cracked if infected early in the season. Late-season infections are shallower, giving the fruit a mottled appearance.Ecology
The bacterium that causes bacterial spot survives the winter in cankers on shoots. In spring, bacteria ooze out of the cankers and are spread by windblown rain to leaves, fruit, and shoots.
Management checklist
Resistant varieties—Several peach varieties with fairly good resistance are available. Consult the local extension office or garden center, and check nursery catalogs for resistant varieties. This is the best control option for peaches. Most apricot and nectarine varieties are susceptible.
Site selection—If possible, locate new plantings away from older ones containing susceptible varieties.
Fertilization—Use a balanced fertilization program. Over-or under-fertilized trees are more vulnerable to bacterial spot.