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 …
New Chemistry Labeled for Peach Producers
By Clint Thompson Southeast peach producers will be interested to know that the bifenthrin product, Brigade 2EC, now has a supplemental label for peaches, along with pome fruits and pomegranates, according to the University of Georgia Extension Peach Blog. Bifenthrin is a pyrethroid, making it a broad spectrum insecticide that is effective against multiple insect pests, especially stink bugs and …
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 …
Brown Rot Management Key for Peach Producers
By Clint Thompson Alabama Extension reminds peach producers that brown rot disease can flare up this time of year and wreak havoc on the remaining crop. That is why growers should be diligent with their preventative fungicide sprays, says David Lawrence, Alabama regional Extension agent. “It’s almost a given that if you don’t spray preventatively, you’re going to face it …
Plum Curculio Currently Not a Concern for Florida Peach Producers
By Clint Thompson Plum curculio is not currently a pest for most Florida peach producers. But that shouldn’t deter growers from keeping a watchful eye and ensuring the insect does not become a problem in the future. Amanda Hodges, an Extension scientist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences entomology and nematology department, discusses the impact …
Georgia Peach Producers Stay Diligent with Fungicide Sprays Amid Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson Dry conditions that are prevalent in much of Georgia should not be mistaken as an opportunity for the state’s peach producers to let up on their fungicide spray program. Even as the crop nears harvest, farmers should stay diligent with their fungicide applications, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Extension fruit disease specialist. “The spray program, cover …
Time for Peach Producers to Treat for Scale Insects
Warmer temperatures make for a bearable winter in Georgia. But scale insects enjoy them, too. That is a problem for the state’s peach producers. Now is a good time for growers to make appropriate chemical applications, according to the University of Georgia (UGA) Extension peach blog. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, advises …
San Jose Scale Management: Horticultural Oil Applications Key for Peach Producers
By Clint Thompson Horticultural oil applications are essential this winter for peach producers hoping to manage San Jose scale insects. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, says the warm winter conditions across Southeast aid the scale’s development. Growers can ill-afford to miss an application. “Getting ready for their dormant applications …
Chlorpyrifos Impact: Peach Producers to Feel Sting of EPA Decision
By Clint Thompson The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to stop the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos on all food will impact Southeast peach producers. Brett Blaauw, University of Georgia assistant professor in the Department of Entomology, discusses the significance for what the decision means moving forward. “It’s been something that’s been expected for a while. Chlorpyrifos has been on …
Chilly Forecast: Georgia Peach Producers Brace for Upcoming Temperature Drop
Georgia peach producers are eyeing the weather, as temperatures are expected to dip into the 30s later this week. It could impact this year’s crop. Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties, said Georgia’s peach crop is post bloom on most everything with fruit forming on most of the varieties. …