No Chill: Florida Peaches Will Be Delayed This Year

Jim Rogers Peaches

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

Jim Rogers Peaches

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 …

peaches fruits hanging on a tree

Event Reminder: Alabama Peach Production Meeting Scheduled for Jan. 18

Jim Rogers Peaches

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

Jim Rogers Peaches

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 …

peaches fruits hanging on a tree

Warming Trend: Peach Trees Lacking Necessary Chill Hours

Jim Rogers Peaches

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

Clint Thompson Peaches

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 …

peaches

USDA ERS: Peach Production Down 15%

Jim Rogers Peaches

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

Jim Rogers Peaches

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 …