As many of you know, blossom blight is prevalent this year. It is not present on all peach varieties to the same degree, but many varieties are inundated with Monilinia fructicola (brown rot) spores on the blooms, many of which are gummed and forming cankers. In some cases, the cankers…
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Update on Peach Skin Disorders Phil Brannen1 , John Mark Lawton2, Juan Carlos Melgar2, Brian Lawrence2, and Guido Schnabel2 1Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia 2Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University Inking has been an issue in southeastern peaches for years, but it has been difficult to…
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This is largely a repeat blog post from last year. I have changed the hurricane name, but otherwise, all remains the same. Hurricane Michael will probably move relatively quickly through Georgia, but I fear it will have substantial winds as it moves through. It will likely cause damage to peach…
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Based on recent discussions of low chill hours accumulated, it appears that we could have a protracted bloom and shuck split, etc., all of which is very problematic to peach spray programs. If this is the case, I am probably not telling you anything you do not already know, but…
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From what I have been told, there may be a shortage of oxytetracycline products this year, due to the use of this antibiotic in Florida for potential control of citrus greening. All of this is occurring at a time in which we can expect ideal conditions for bacterial spot development…
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In reviewing the weather forecasts for the next 15 days or so, I am concerned about bacterial spot development. The current warm temperatures are certainly increasing bacterial numbers, and any temperature above 65 F is sufficient for multiplication. Temperatures in the upper 70s or lower 80s provide perfect conditions for…
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The possibility of a chlorothalonil (Bravo and generics) shortage came up at the Savannah Fruit and Vegetable Meeting last week, and though it is not expected to be as short as last year, that is still a real concern. Abound is always a good replacement for chlorothalonil, and it would…
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