Peach is an important specialty fruit crop in the United States (U.S.), and phony peach disease (PPD), caused by Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) subspecies multiplex, has been a major cause of yield loss since it was first observed in 1885. PPD is a re-emerging disease predominantly found in central and southern Georgia peach production areas. Limited research has been conducted on the disease since the late 1980s. To fill fundamental knowledge gaps, a series of studies were conducted to understand the current prevalence and distribution of the disease, determine the difficulties in visual identification, evaluate the use of multispectral and digital imaging for detection and assess chemical applications for disease management. Each study provided foundational information to elucidate the complexities of this disease and aid in the development of disease management strategies. The current distribution of the disease was determined through a survey conducted in 2020 which showed that PPD remains a prevalent issue in southeastern peach production. Visual assessment is the primary method of PPD identification, so PPD identification accuracy measurements were assessed among experienced and inexperienced raters. Experienced raters were generally more accurate, but regardless of experience, all raters overestimated PPD incidence within an orchard. Characterizing the most important symptoms for identification is crucial when developing detailed guidelines for visual assessment training. Using a decision tree model approach, internode length, canopy flatness and tree height were classified as the most important symptoms to use when visually identifying PPD in field. Additionally, the use of multispectral and digital imaging provided evidence for differences between healthy and PPD-trees, although accuracy in PPD identification was variable. Further research should be conducted to evaluate a wider spectra and additional vegetation indices. Management options are limited for PPD, therefore, applications of plant defense activators and growth stimulants were evaluated for reduction of symptoms and bacterial titer. No treatment provided acceptable levels of control, thus peach producers should follow the current PPD management recommendations. Knowledge gained from these studies contribute to a better understanding of the disease and have implications for improved identification, detection, and management of PPD in southeastern commercial peach production.