[1] Peach trees infected with T. deformans will experience leaf puckering and distortion, acquiring a characteristic downward and inward curl.

Leaves will also undergo chlorosis, turning a pale green or yellow, and later show a red or purple tint.

[2] Taphrina deformans infects species of the genus Prunus (including P. amygdalus (almond) and P. persica (peach)).

It has been observed that this fungus also infects the fruits of some South American trees like Ocotea puberula, Nectandra megapotamica and other Lauraceae species.

Some researchers posit that these forms are separate varieties altogether, which is supported by recent genetic evidence based on hybridization.

The disease does not occur every year, as it requires a minimum of 3mm of rainfall followed by at least 12 days during which the developing conidia remain damp and at temperatures below 19 °C.

[9] Taphrina deformans hyphae growing in intercellular spaces secrete polysaccharide-degrading enzymes, such as cellulase, causing partial dissolution of the host cell wall.

Although some sources also suggest thinning fruit to control the spread of disease,[3] sanitation and culturing practices alone are insufficient to manage the pathogen.

[2] The economic impact of the disease varies regionally, as pathogen spread and symptom severity depends on environmental factors.

[14] Although peach leaf curl is mostly manageable with fungicide spraying in dry climates,[4] improper timing or incomplete coverage of the crop can result in control failure.