Management strategies to reduce catfacing in peaches

For producers of peaches and other orchard-grown produce, managing the orchard floor can present challenges. Unwelcome vegetation on the orchard floor competes with trees for water and nutrients reducing tree growth and productivity, and can be a host for pathogens and insect pests. Utilizing best practices for irrigation and vegetation management in the orchard helps growers to optimize tree growth, fruit yield, and fruit size. Scientists at North Carolina State University published a study in the May 2015 issue of HortScience that includes guidelines that can help increase tree vigor and fruit yield, and limit damage from hemipteran or "catfacing" insects - pests that damage and distort peaches and other fruit.

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