Publications

This guide covers multiple states and production areas. Pest problems vary across the Southeast. Pesticide rates are a guideline. Exceptions are noted for specific locations and pests, but this guide does not list every exception. Listed pesticides may not be registered for the uses recommended here in all states. This guide is to be used only by commercial growers. Observe all label precautions and recommendations. Brand names of pesticides are given in the spray schedule as a convenience to the grower. They are neither an endorsement of the product nor a suggestion that other products with the same active ingredient are not effective.

Essential to successful peach tree culture is selection of a location that provides adequate sunlight, cold air drainage and water drainage.

When the peach tree moves into its bearing years a shift in emphasis from exclusive attention to vegetative development for building a tree structure to maintaining a balance enough vegetative growth to promote adequate fruiting wood and return bloom for the following season’s fruit crop and managing the current season’s fruit crop.

The southeastern peach industry is known for the high quality of its fresh peaches. As a new peach season approaches, it is time to ready the packinghouse for output of the best peach product.

Growing peaches and other fruit trees in Georgia and the southeastern United States is challenging. Peaches are not native to North America; however, many cultivars have been developed for our area, and Georgia has a long history of successful peach production. One must choose the site and the proper cultivar and provide care throughout the year to be successful. This publication includes information for peaches on site selection and preparation, planting, fertilizing, insects, diseases, and harvesting. Recommended varieties for Georgia are also listed.

A relatively new peach tree training system is being adopted by some southeastern peach growers; it is an easy, low-maintenance system that can be used even in the home orchard.

This fact sheet covers phony peach disease: History, symptoms, disease cycle, and management.

San Jose scale, Comstockaspis perniciosus (Comstock), is a pest of peaches, nectarines, plums, and other tree fruits including apples, pears, and cherries. San Jose scale is considered a secondary pest in many regions of the country, but in the Southeast U.S., it has been one of the most common and most destructive pests to the peach industry since the early 2000s.