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Peaches: Organic and Low-Spray Production

Summary

This publication describes the major diseases and insect pests of peaches and discusses organic or least-toxic control options for each. It emphasizes the considerable climatic differences between the arid West, which is relatively amenable to organic peach production, and the humid East, where it is more difficult to grow peaches without synthetic fungicides and insecticides. It profiles a successful organic peach grower in California, discusses new-generation synthetic and organic pesticides, and describes organic peach research for the East, as well as a model reduced-spray program for the East. A “postscript” examines the dilemma of the environmentally conscious consumer in regard to peaches. The last section lists additional references, publications, and electronic information sites.