Pacific Northwest 1998 An Online Guide to Plant Disease Control

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OSU Extension Office
 
Peach -- X-Disease
See Also: Cherry -- X-Disease
 
Cause: A phytoplasma that occurs east of the Cascades and is spread by four leafhopper species, of which the most important is the geminate leafhopper, Colladonus geminatus. Sweet and sour cherry also are susceptible. There are many similarities with Peach Yellows phytoplasma and Peach Rosette phytoplasm, both of which are quarantined against being brought into the PNW from eastern states.
Symptoms: Near the end of May, a few leaves show an irregular yellow spotting which later may turn reddish or brown. Leaves tend to roll; infected tissue becomes necrotic and ultimately drops out in a rather ragged pattern. As the season advances, foliage from the stem base up shows these symptoms and drops to the ground; only young growth remains at the branches' tips. Spread appears to be from limb to limb throughout the tree. Fruit is smaller, lacks flavor, and may shrivel prematurely.

This slide is labeled "Hale peach from The Dalles with western X disease".

 
Cultural control:

  1. Remove all infected trees as soon as they are found.
  2. Remove wild chokecherry (Prunus demissa) in the vicinity. It is a host and may be an inoculum source for leafhopper vectors.
References:
Ogawa, J.M. et al. 1995. Compendium of Stone Fruit Diseases. St. Paul, MN: APS Press.
Content edited by: Jay W. Pscheidt on January 1, 2009
 
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