An Outlook of Chill Accumulation for Georgia (January 24, 2008)

After a slow start during October, November and for much of December, the central part of the Peach State is picking up a significant number of chill hours. By the end of December, the area was 38% behind the 63 year average. With the increased pace of chill accumulation, Middle Georgia is only 20% behind the average for January 24th. Looking at forecasts for Georgia, and other parts of the continent that can impact us as weather systems move across the country, it looks like the Middle Georgia peach growing region could have 750 chill hours by the end of the month and maybe 900 hours by February 15th. Having 800 hours of chill will cover about 70% of the varieties grown in the region, while 900 hours will capture another 20% of the varieties. Certainly the Middle Georgia growers have much to smile about as their trees move into the bloom period, which will begin in late February.

For South Georgia, the picture is not quite as good. Right now the region has about 59% of the long term average. If the recent pattern of chill accumulation continues through the middle of February, the region can expect around 550 to 600 hours. This is only about 80% of the hours that will be needed to cover all varieties grown in the area.  The good news is that the accrual of 600 hours will meet about 92% of the requirements for all the varieties shipped from the area to early markets around the country.

Questions or comments?
Contact:
Mary Ann Smallwood
The Georgia Peach editor
msmallwo@uga.edu