Exploring Taphrina deformans, the Springtime Scourge of Peach.

Peach leaf curl, caused by the fungal pathogen Taphrina deformans, is a recurrent disease in peach orchards during spring. HOST RANGE: Taphrina deformans infects mostly peach (Prunus persica) and less significantly other Prunus crops. DISEASE SYMPTOMS: Causing severe leaf deformation and massive defoliations, leaf curl can drastically reduce tree vigour and yield and, in severe cases, lead to tree death. To a lesser extent, T. deformans also infects flowers, twigs and fruits. DISEASE CONTROL: Current control strategies rely on preventive fungicide applications including mainly copper-based products. LIFE CYCLE: At the end of winter, spores infect young leaves when they emerge from buds. Then, mycelium spreads into intercellular spaces and causes typical deformations. Sporulation of T. deformans at the end of spring spells the end of the mycelium phase. Throughout the rest of the year, spores are budding on the surface of bark and overwinter between the bud scales. PLANT-FUNGUS INTERACTIONS: Infected leaves have a completely disorganized leaf structure and tissues exhibit hyperplastic and hypertrophic cells. T. deformans infection trigger profound metabolic changes whereby multiple plant defence pathways are activated.

conclusionKnowledge of this pathogen remains surprisingly limited, fragmented and dispersed across decades of literature. The aim of this review is to compile and synthesize existing knowledge to provide for the first time a complete T. deformans life cycle representation while identifying major research gaps. By consolidating existing knowledge and outlining future research priorities, this review aims to stimulate coordinated efforts towards an integrated and sustainable management of peach leaf curl.