"Mark A.Meggs" wrote:

2 problems actualy, but one is that there are so many the tree is
about to break - I know what to do about that one

The other problem is the the skin of the peaches is turning black. It
starts as a few spots, but spreads until most of the skin is black. If
it hits when the peaches are very small, they simply stop growing and
dry up.

If it hits when they are larger and starting to get color (like now),
the skin stops growing and acts kind of like a crust - the inside
keeps growing - expanding - and cracks the skin.

It may be too late to do anything this year, but does anyone have
aideas about what it is and what to do to prevent it next year?

Thanks!

- Mark

Mark,

Sounds like black rot to me. It is a fungal disease that can be treated
with
fungicides. It may be too late to treat the problem this season, but next
spring start treating for it. Keeping the area around the peach trees clean

will also improve conditions. Throw away any 'mummies' and other debris.

Sherwin