Cold Temperatures Benefit Peach, Grape Producers

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By Clint Thompson Consecutive days and nights of cold temperatures were just what the doctor ordered for peach producers and grape growers in the Southeast. They allowed farmers to obtain much needed chill hours. Grape producers also received help in managing Pierce’s Disease. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist Phil Brannen highlights the benefits that this week’s 20-and …

Hurricane’s Potential Impact on Peach Trees

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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 …

Alabama Peach Crop Not as Productive as Could Have Been

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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

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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 …

Wetter Weather in Central Alabama

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By Clint Thompson Rainy weather in recent weeks has impacted specialty crop production in central Alabama. David Lawrence, regional Extension agent in central Alabama, discussed the state of certain crops amid wetter weather. “Peaches are winding up. There’s a couple of varieties that are still hanging on. We’ve still got a few growers that are bringing some out of the …

Peach Management Continues in Georgia

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Clint Thompson Peach production may have just concluded in Georgia, but the work never stops for the state’s growers. Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties, highlighted what producers will be doing between now and the first frost. “One of my growers just finished picking and shipping and he’ll be …

Peach Season Concludes in Georgia

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By Clint Thompson Another peach season is in the books for most Georgia producers. After the late-season freeze event on March 13, growers were fortunate just to have a crop this year. Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties, discussed how fortunate farmers were to have peaches at all when …

Hard Freeze Forecast for the Weekend

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South Carolina’s specialty crop producers need to be mindful of their crops ahead of this weekend’s sub-freezing temperatures, according to The South Carolina Grower. Here are a few considerations for each crop. Strawberries Growers should plan to cover their strawberries to protect blooms and developing fruit. Row covers of at least 1.2 oz thickness will protect plants down to 22 …

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Georgia Peach Crop to Feel Impact of Weekend Temperatures

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By Clint Thompson Potential sub-freezing temperatures this weekend could impact Georgia’s peach crop, which is already blooming, and in some orchards, peaches are already on trees. Jeff Cook, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Peach and Taylor counties, discussed the impact that the forecasted temperatures will have on the state’s peach crop. “We’ve got a …

Peach Rootstock Research at the University of Georgia

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By Dario J. Chavez, Jeff Cook and Tom G. Beckman Rootstocks are important for fruit production as they provide required protection for soil pests and pathogens. The most predominant peach rootstocks in the Southeastern United States are Guardian (Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina) and Flordaguard (Florida). Guardian (BY520-9) was released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (USDA …