Peaches

[Libertarian]

We have a great crop this year. I have harvested over a bushel but had to toss most due to bugs and birds. I tried spraying the blossoms and the new fruit lightly but I still lost 80% of the crop to rot and bugs.

Is there anything I can do next year to get a higher yeild without poisoning the peaches?

 

[Gingergirl]

I grow peaches, but I'm in N Indiana, so this may not apply.

The rot is probably brown rot. Some varieties are more subject to it than others. My Reliance and Half Hale are not but my Balmer is. A dormant spray with lime is usually the cure. Being applied before leaf buds swell you don't have to worry as much about poisoning your peaches.

I have two insects that I worry about, borers and weevils. Traps handle the borers nicely, but when the weevils come, all I can do is spray. Talk to you state extension service. They can give you a minimal spray program for just your needs.

Having been raised in the South, I just love tree ripe peaches. Good Luck.

 

[Libertarian]

Most of the bugs are little grubs that eat the meat from around the pit. Some are some sort of borer that pokes a hole through the skin but doesn't stay in the peach. The rot os a brown spot that is soft and squishy and smells of fermentation and decay. I tossed all of those and wash the grub out of the cut open peaches.

 

[Gingergirl]

Lib,


Borers (Peach tree borers) attack the tree, not the fruit.

Maybe Oriental Fruit Moth (caterpillars), not had a problem here.
They can make a real mess of the fruit (as you describe) and damage the tree. Nasty critters.

Take a look at this:
http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/factsheets/treefruit/pests/ofm/ofm.html

Good Luck

 

[Libertarian]

That is exactly what I have! So the holes and grubs are from the same source. I am going to have to work on ridding my trees of these pests if I want anything edible next crop.