The problem was exacerbated when late-season cold temperatures swept across the Southeast.
“Georgia peach crop was significantly affected by two late frosts in March,” Pearson Farms, a large producer of the fruit, said on their website.
“Even a typical spring freeze can damage commercial and backyard fruit crops that have been pushed into blooming by late-winter warmth,” Rippey said.
Peach plants are harvested once a year and take three to four years after planting before they are mature enough to be harvested, Chavez said.
In his 10 years in the state, he said he has not seen this much of the crop lost, but noted that nearly 80% of the peach crop was lost after the spring freeze in 2017.
Persons:
Dario Chavez, Chavez, ” Chavez, ”, Theresa Crimmins, Brad Rippey, ” Rippey, “
Organizations:
CNN, Peach State, Horticulture, University of Georgia, US Department of Agriculture, South Carolina, Growers, USA National Phenology Network
Locations:
Georgia, US Department of Agriculture . South Carolina, South, Ohio, West Virginia, South Carolina