AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Alabama’s peach crop is deficient in necessary chill hours this year. There is some uncertainty regarding the upcoming harvest season, as Alabama growers are currently evaluating the state of their crop. Seasonal temperatures play a key role in providing the best size and flavor of peaches through chilling hours. Edgar Vinson, an Alabama Extension commercial horticulture …
Titan Farms CEO: Peach Trees Already Have Open Flowers
By Clint Thompson Earlier bloom periods for peach producers is a phenomenon that has only intensified in recent years. “I don’t care what you want to call it, there is a change to the global pattern,” said Chalmers Carr, owner, president and CEO of Titan Farms, the largest peach producer on the east coast in Ridge Spring, South Carolina. Peach …
UGA Peach Specialist Confident Despite Chill Hour Shortage
By Clint Thompson One University of Georgia (UGA) peach specialist is confident about this year’s crop despite falling short of chill hour accumulation. Dario Chavez, UGA assistant professor with an emphasis in peach physiology and breeding, discussed Georgia’s crop at the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association annual meeting on Thursday, Feb. 9 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. “In Georgia we’re …
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 …
Mating Disruption Effective Treatment for Peachtree Borers
By Clint Thompson Mating disruption is an effective treatment for peach tree borers and lesser peachtree borers. One application in early March can last all season for peach producers. However, the management tactic may only be effective if nearby peach growers are implementing the tactic as well. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural …
UGA Specialist Updates on Phony Peach Disease
By Clint Thompson Phony peach disease in the Southeast has not worsened over time. But it is still bad enough that producers need to be wary of its presence during the production season. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed the disease during the recent Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. “It’s caused by a bacteria, …
Florida Peaches Running Behind Schedule
By Clint Thompson The Christmas freeze event brought much needed chill hours to Florida’s peach crop. But it still lags behind historical averages, according to Jose Chaparro, associate professor in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). He said the crop this year will be delayed as a result. “We’re significantly behind. It looks like our bloom …
No Chill: Florida Peaches Will Be Delayed This Year
By Clint Thompson The Christmas freeze event brought much needed chill hours to Florida’s peach crop. But it still lags behind historical averages, according to Jose Chaparro, associate professor in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). He said the crop this year will be delayed as a result. “We’re significantly behind. It looks like our …
Nematode Applications Effective for Peachtree Borer Insects
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 …