Commercial Peach Growers
Avoiding Armillaria root rot (ARR)
The growing prevalence of oak root rot or Armillaria root rot disease in peach orchards, nationwide. He notes some of the on-going research efforts to combat this growing foe.
Peaches in greenhouses – what’s this?!
The current status of and practices involved in greenhouse production of nectarines and peaches in China. Approximately 30,000 acres are in production now in several Chinese provinces to get early production and high market prices.
Reflections on the Easter freeze
Reflections on the Easter Freeze, some lessons learned and suggestions to minimize risk in the future.
Numerous factors affect peach quality
Peach fruit quality is influenced by fruit handling, the orchard environment, cultivar genetics, and other manipulations that can be made by the grower.
The importance of nitrogen
How this vital nutrient is absolutely necessary for a healthy and productive peach orchard. However, he notes that if applied incorrectly, a host of problems can result.
The importance of water
The importance of supplemental irrigation for peach trees – especially during dry spells in the summer. He notes vital times when trees need water to maximize the impact on final fruit size.
Chinese peaches: past and present
Some of the fascinating history and current status of the world’s oldest and largest peach producing country, China.
Diversifying Your Fruit Portfolio
Whether you are a large-scale wholesale shipper, a small-scale retailer, or something in between, it is likely that you have experienced “feast or famine.”
Managing crop load to maximize profitability
The influence of cultivar, cultural management practices, timing and method of thinning and the impact these factors have on final fruit size and pack-out at harvest.
Fertility Management – Implications If Done Incorrectly
The single most important nutrient that is needed and used by the peaches every year is nitrogen.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are arranged in five different categories including historical interest, general interest, peaches in China, scientific findings, and commercial production.
Are you stressed?
This article addresses abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) stresses and how they can impact peach trees.
Diversification and niche marketing
How white-fleshed peaches and nectarines can provide a profitable niche market to attract Asian and Hispanic customers, in particular.
Whose (intellectual) property is it anyway?
The difference between cultivars that are public releases versus those that are patented and why this distinction is relevant. He also issues a caution to growers about illegally propagating patented cultivars.
Truth in advertising
How to determine fruit maturity and assess quality of peaches at harvest time. He discusses using a penetrometer to measure firmness and a refractometer to measure brix.
Now’s your chance!
The important peach disease, brown rot, and how orchard sanitation can significantly limit disease spread.
Being a good neighbor
The impact of urban sprawl/encroachment on fruit production and how farmers can successfully deal with this situation as an opportunity instead of a nuisance.
Fueling the local food wave
How growers can build their local customer base through fun and memorable on-farm experiences including delicious fresh fruits and value-added products, tours, games, etc.
Replant site considerations
Problems with planting peaches on sites where peaches have been grown before (i.e., replant sites) and what growers can do to maximize the potential for success.
Tree density and profitability
Changing from a traditional-spaced, low-density orchard to a higher density orchard requires several important management considerations in order to maximize effectiveness and profitability and to minimize errors.
New peach releases for July and August
This article introduces readers to four new peach cultivars that have been released through his cooperative program with peach breeder, Dr. Dick Okie (USDA-ARS, Byron, GA), that are suitable for the prime peach production months of July and August in the southeastern U.S.
Maintaining quality with sulfur
Managing the peach scab disease using sulfur and other products. In dry, low-disease pressure years, sulfur is an effective, inexpensive alternative to more expensive fungicides.
Let there be light
The importance of orchard tree row orientation (North-South is best) and tree canopy management to maximize light interception for its positive impact on fruit growth, skin coloration, overall fruit quality, yield, return bloom, and overall tree health.