By Clint Thompson Peach producers who have problems with peachtree borer insects should consider nematodes as a management option. No, not the harmful worms that can devastate plants. These are entomopathogenic nematodes that seek and destroy the borer insects, says Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “If growers have peachtree …
Event Reminder: Alabama Peach Production Meeting Scheduled for Jan. 18
Alabama Extension reminds peach farmers and industry leaders that it will be hosting a production meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 11 a.m. (Est.) in Jemison, Alabama. This is a free event for attendees. Those interested can click here to register. The meeting will be held at 14 Padgett Lane, Jemison, Alabama, 35085. Extension specialists will provide updates on various …
Alabama Extension to Host Peach Production Meeting
Alabama peach producers should mark their calendars for an upcoming peach production meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, at 11 a.m. (Est.) in Jemison, Ala. Alabama Cooperative Extension will host the meeting which will feature topics like brown rot management, peachtree borer control, bacterial spot management, chill accumulation update and fungal gummosis management. Scientists at Auburn University will also …
Warming Trend: Peach Trees Lacking Necessary Chill Hours
By Clint Thompson Unseasonably warm temperatures have Alabama peach producers concerned about the lack of chill hours needed to produce a crop next season. Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the department of horticulture at Auburn University, discussed the lack of cooler weather this winter and what growers need heading into the new year. “It depends on …
Chill Hours Lacking So Far for Peach Producers
By Clint Thompson It is still early, but University of Georgia fruit disease specialist Phil Brannen is concerned about the extended warm temperatures and their impact on peach production. “The thing I am concerned about is how warm it is. The chill hours associated with peaches right now, we just have not had cool enough weather yet to deal with …
USDA ERS: Peach Production Down 15%
The peach production forecast is down for 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS). Production is expected to net 583,500 tons, a 15% decrease from the previous season. California, the top peach producing state, is forecast at 430,000 tons, down 15% from the previous year. Frost events and hail decreased production and quality. The …
Hurricane’s Potential Impact on Peach Trees
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Ian’s potential path through Georgia and South Carolina could impact peach trees in the region. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed what high winds associated with a hurricane could do to peach trees. “Assuming that it comes through with pretty heavy winds in the middle Georgia area, South Georgia, anywhere you …
World Peach, Nectarine Production Update
By Clint Thompson Freeze events in late winter and early spring impacted peach and nectarine production in the top three growing states of California, South Carolina and Georgia, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service. Production in the U.S. is expected to decrease by more than 100,000 tons to 605,000. It has been cut in half over the …
Alabama Peach Crop Not as Productive as Could Have Been
By Clint Thompson Alabama’s peach production had similar results to Georgia’s crop. Much of it was impacted by below-freezing temperatures in mid-March. The chilling effect had devastating repercussions for much of the state’s peach varieties, says Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University. “Similar to Georgia, we had a similar outcome …
North Georgia Peach Farmer: I am Blessed
By Clint Thompson One North Georgia peach producer experienced better-than-expected yields this yield following a late-season freeze event that could have crippled his crop. And Drew Echols couldn’t be more thankful. Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms in Alto, Georgia, and president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, discusses the impact that a freeze in mid-April had on his …