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How to Successfully Grow Peaches

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Although growing peaches (Prunus persica) can be a rewarding venture, they're susceptible to mold growth that, if neglected, can affect fruit development, tree growth and ultimately your success. Peaches are hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8, and identifying the cause of the mold, which might be a fungal disease or insect infestation, should be your first step to eliminating the problem. (See References 1)
Brown Rot

If your peaches have small, round, powdery tan spots that gradually seem to spread and get larger, and eventually, turn black, you might be dealing with brown rot. This common stone-fruit disease, which starts at bloom and often affects fruit that's stuck together in clusters, is triggered by the fungus Monilinia fructicola. This fungus overwinters in the yard in uncollected infected fruit and stems, and as soon as the temperature reaches 40 degrees Fahrenheit, spores develop that are spread by wind and rain to healthy tissue. Prevention and treatment of brown rot can include removal of infected fruit and fungicide treatment before the infection occurs. (See References 2, 3 and 4)
Sooty Mold

When scales, aphids, and other sucking insect feed on your peaches, they secrete a sticky liquid known as honeydew. Sooty mold, which is a name given to several species of fungi, can develop on honeydew and is visible as a threadlike, dark layer that covers the effected plant parts including the leaves and peaches. Although the

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