Biologia ed epidemiologia dell'agente della bolla del pesco

The life cycle of <i>Taphrina deformans</i>, the agent of peach leaf curl, is described. The fungus has specialised structures allowing it to survive in adverse conditions. On contact with a host, the propagules germinate and produce spores, which then produce more spores leading to a staggered infection process. The germinated spores develop a hypha which penetrates into the leaf. Peach shoots become receptive when the buds open and remain so during the active growth stage. Low air temperatures and heavy rain favour the spread of infection. Given these weather conditions, the infection may spread to the young fruit, but these infections tend to be of minor importance. When the ascospores are released, they enter a saprophytic stage and produce new blastospores ensuring the survival of the fungus in summer. At this stage, appropriate fungicide treatment diminishes the risk of repeated infections.