Peach Producers Should Remain Timely with Fungicide Spray Applications

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Peaches

By Clint Thompson Southeast peach producers should remain timely with their fungicide applications amid the persistent rainy conditions being experienced across the region. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, highlighted a couple of diseases the growers should be concerned with. “I’m sure they’re on top of it, but with the amount of rain and some of …

San Jose Scale Control Essential for Peach Producers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Peaches

By Clint Thompson Now is the ideal time for peach producers to protect this year’s crop against San Jose scale insects. Especially as temperatures continue to increase, so too should the numbers of scale insects invading peach orchards in the Southeast. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, said it is …

Peach Producers Yearning for Bumper Crop in ’24

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Peaches, South Carolina

By Clint Thompson No matter what state you are located in throughout the Southeast, if you are a peach producer, you are in dire need of a rebound season in 2024. Peach production was at such historical lows in 2023 that growers don’t just need production to return to normal this year; they need a bumper crop. “It always hurts …

Chill Hours Increasing for Peach Producers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Peaches

By Clint Thompson Chill hours are looking strong for peach trees in the Southeast. That optimistic outlook should continue over the next month, according to Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties. “I looked at chill hours (early December) and especially what’s projected through February, it looks good,” Cook said. …

Anthracnose Disease a Growing Concern for Peach Producers

Web AdminDisease, Georgia, Peaches

By Clint Thompson Anthracnose disease is on the rise in peaches in the Southeast. University of Georgia researchers are determined to find out why. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, is wary that fungicide resistance is a culprit as to why disease instances have increased in recent years. “I fear, and it’s something we need to …

Peach Producers Beware: Disease Spray Applications a Must Next Year

Web AdminPeaches

By Clint Thompson The lack of fungicide applications for peach diseases last season means growers should be mindful of sprays heading into next spring. Once the freeze events in March wiped out most of Georgia’s crop, it also stopped many producers from applying their normal fungicide sprays. But they should be ready to combat potential disease buildup next spring, according …

GFVGA Executive Vice President: Peach Producers Remain Optimistic Despite Year

Web AdminGeorgia, Peaches

By Clint Thompson Farmers are a resilient group of individuals. They have to be to get back up off the mat following one challenging blow after another. For Georgia’s peach growers, they will need to be if they hope to survive a devastating ’23 season. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), discussed …

Disaster Declaration Key for Georgia Peach Producers

Web AdminGeorgia

By Clint Thompson A natural disaster declaration for 18 Georgia counties by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is vital assistance for peach producers impacted by the mid-March freeze. Chris Butts, executive vice president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, discussed how important this declaration is for his growers who suffered near 100% loss. “What the declaration does …

UGA Specialist: Peach Producers to Try to Minimize Costs Ahead of Next Season

Web AdminGeorgia

By Clint Thompson Peach producers struggling to produce a crop this year are likely already starting to think about next season. It is all about reducing input costs at this point, believes Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties. “Going forward, they’re probably going to do as little as possible …