2007 Freeze Affects 2008 Crop

July 26, 2007

As if the damage from the April freeze was not enough on the 2007 fruit crops, 2008 crops could also be adversely affected. The greatest impact on 2008 fruit crops will likely be in areas were low temperatures affected normal fruit development but, was not severe enough to cause the fruit to abort. In many fruit orchards, both apple and peach, this situation occurred and little if any pest management program was utilized.

Brown rot in peach has been one of the most noticeable diseases that is greatly affecting orchards unmanaged due to the freeze damage. Millions of spores are being produced from damaged fruit, killing shoots and branches. Where growers were able to remove damaged fruit by hand or with a shaker the problem is minimal. Removing fruit, prunning damaged wood are recommended. Growers need to strongly consider using blossom sprays in 2008 for disease control where conditions like those shown below are occuring.

Insect populations were discussed early in the season following the freeze. Where damaged fruit remained it was recommened to monitor orchards and make alternate row middle sprays as needed. In many orchards, insecticide applications stopped soon after determinations were made on the marketability
of the crop and perhaps insurance adjustments. Damaged fruit provided insects with ideal sites for reproduction. We will be monitoring various insect populations around Alabama in 2008, expect higher numbers of certain pests in unmanaged blocks.