Peaches

Drone assignment: A costly investment, consider pros and cons

A recent addition in growers’ toolboxes, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flying over orchards and vineyards can supply images to help orchardists and horticulturists more precisely and efficiently identify areas of concern. Drones can increase efficiencies... more »

Texas Hill Country peach grower limits pests, conserves water

Clean groves, meticulous weeding and minimal spraying of harsh chemicals help Fisher & Wieser’s Das Peach Haus (F&W) remain a successful Texas peach grower. The longtime Fredericksburg, Texas, grower battles the Lone Star state’s excessive... more »

AgroFresh celebrates 20 years of SmartFresh

In 2003, AgroFresh first launched its flagship ripening management solution SmartFresh, the premier ethylene postharvest management tool for fruits, vegetables and florals. SmartFresh puts the ripening process “on hold” so that softening and over-ripening occur... more »

Farm Credit salutes California Fresh Fruit Association growers

Every summer, people around the country enjoy luscious fruits like apricots, table grapes, kiwis, peaches and plums. Because California is the nation’s largest producer of those commodities, there’s a high chance the fruits were grown... more »

Postharvest research at UGA focuses on reducing waste

While the dilemma of how to feed a rapidly increasing population has focused primarily on how to increase yields through growing practices or improving the plant itself, a growing field of research focuses on reducing... more »

New Jersey kicks off peach season

New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher visited Larchmont Farms in Salem County to highlight the state’s peach harvest. The June 29 visit coincided with the start of the season, and was Fisher’s last... more »

USDA designates Georgia, Southeast counties disaster areas after March freeze

The United States Department of Agriculture has declared 18 Georgia counties as primary natural disaster areas. The disaster declaration follows March freezes that damaged Georgia’s peach and pecan crops and other crops. Growers in North... more »

Spotted lanternflies in crosshairs of USDA working group

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has introduced a strategic plan to battle spotted lanternflies, pest that harms many fruit, vegetable and nut crops. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Spotted Lanternfly Strategic Planning... more »