End In Site

July 28, 2009

Across Alabama many fruit producers are "nearly" done with this season's crop. Little by little we are making that final harvest. Peaches in central Alabama can go into September but, most growers will be ending their season sooner than that. Right now we are finishing up varieties like 'Contender' and 'Cresthaven', 'Redskin', and 'Sunprince' and will soon begin 'Flameprince'.
In some markets demand is slowing up some as consumers are shifting to perhaps a little vacation or getting ready for schools to begin.

Most growers I've talked to are also ready for activities to begin slowing down. The long daily routines required in fruit production and marketing take a toll after a while. It is physically and mentally extremely demanding but, rewarding or they would not continue to farm.

Insect activity is not taking a slow down. Stink bugs have continued moderate to high pressure in orchards. Feeding damage on fruit such as apples and peaches are circular as the tissue dies. Rots often develop at these feeding sites. Control options are limited as we reach fruit maturity.
Plum curculio adult activity is slowing. Harvest of targeted spray evaluation in 'Flameprince' has shown us that eggs were still being deposited within the past 14 days.