Research in: Agricultural & Veterinary Sciences

This study evaluates the infection rates of introduced peach varieties and the characteristics of disease development in intensive peach orchards of the Guba-Khachmaz region in northeastern Azerbaijan. Observational studies were conducted on three introduced peach varieties over the research period. Varieties showing resistance to peach leaf curl were identified and recommended for the establishment of new orchards. Considering that the disease reaches an epiphytotic level during April-May, the intensity of its spread was investigated. Detailed information is provided on the infection of leaves and to a lesser extent, shoots and fruits of peach (nectarine) plants caused by the fungal pathogen Taphrina deformans. The initial symptoms of the disease were observed in mid-April in the studied orchards. During this critical period, contact and systemic fungicides were applied both individually and in combination under different experimental treatments. Chemical control strategies were optimized through improvements in the integrated pest management system, contributing to environmental protection. Timely application of treatments resulted in effective disease control while minimizing environmental contamination. As a result, no detectable chemical residues were found in the harvested products, which is essential for protecting public health. The article presents the outcomes of various integrated chemical control measures implemented under field conditions.