Peaches
New SWD biopesticide being developed at MSU through USDA grant
A Michigan State University researcher has received a $325,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop a yeast-based biopesticide that targets spotted wing drosophila (SWD), an invasive... more »
USDA releases $2 billion for specialty crops growers disaster recovery
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has introduced programs designed to help specialty crop growers recover from natural disasters, including a trio of hurricanes that this fall struck the Southeast. The new programs are also developed... more »
Bluebird Organic Fruit builds success through organic fruit production
Farming has always been central to Luke and Annie Gingerich's lives. The lifelong connection led them to establish Bluebird Organic Fruit Co., a thriving peach-growing operation in Palisade, Colorado, built on a commitment to organic... more »
IFTA members gain grove insights, view Central Valley tech and orchard practices
During the California’s Central Valley tour, participants in the International Fruit Tree Association’s 2024 event viewed a variety of fruit tree training, pruning and harvesting methods. The orchard bus tour showed how growers are more... more »
Spotted lanternfly detected in Georgia
An invasive and destructive insect pest, spotted lanternflies (SLF), has been discovered in Georgia. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) has received confirmation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made the first detection of... more »
Heat produces uneven California fall organic fruit supply
An inconsistent supply of fall organic fruit is expected this year. Stephen Paul of Homegrown Organic Farms (HGO) in Porterville, California, said the record heat that scorched the valley from spring to fall took its... more »
UF studies crop fertilization rates
The University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has long studied crop fertilization rates. In 2022, state funding made it possible for the UF/IFAS Nutrient Management Program (NMP) to begin scrutinizing long-established fertilization... more »
Titan Farms, a southeast peach powerhouse, tests soil, combats pests and disease
Monitoring soil health and protecting its peaches from pests and diseases are big challenges for Titan Farms, a leading Southeastern grower. Titan Farms’ Chalmers Carr has been growing peaches since he... more »
















