Production of peaches in California facts for kids

California is the largest grower of peaches in the United States, producing about 70% of the total. This sunny state is a huge part of the peach industry, with many farms dedicated to growing these juicy fruits.

Mountain Fruit Co.'s shipment for eastern markets, Placer County, 1922

San Fernando Valley harvest, 1890

George Cling peaches, photographed by Carleton E. Watkins, 1889. This photo is now in the MoMA.

Peaches on sale at a grocery store in Fortuna, 2014

Peaches at a San Francisco Farmers' Market, 2014

Peach blossoms in Redlands.

Blooming peach trees in Redlands.

Peaches at the Fortuna Farmers' Market, 2016

Yokuts people preparing peaches on the Tule River Reservation around 1900.

A peach orchard near Yuba City.

Yokuts women and children preparing peaches on the Tule River Reservation around 1900.

Peach trees in Manzanar.

Pink peach blossoms in Redlands.

Peach growers in California are supported by groups like the California Freestone Peach Association and the California Canning Peach Association/California Cling Peach Board. These groups help farmers and the peach industry. In 2020, California sold about 468,000 tons of peaches, bringing in $308.3 million! Even though the amount of land used for growing peaches has gone down, the total money made from the harvest has slowly increased since 1980.

Peach Farming in California

California is the top peach producer in the United States. Other states that grow a lot of peaches include South Carolina and Georgia.

Peach Types and Sales

There are two main types of peaches: 'freestone' and 'clingstone'. Freestone peaches have pits that easily separate from the fruit. Clingstone peaches have pits that 'cling' to the fruit. Most clingstone peaches are used for canning or other processing.

The amount of clingstone peaches delivered for processing has been decreasing over the years. For example, in 2010, about 430,000 tons were delivered. By 2021, this number dropped to 225,000 tons. However, the price farmers get for their peaches has generally gone up. In 2012, a ton of peaches sold for about $317, but by 2021, it was around $518 per ton.

Creating New Peach Varieties

Scientists at the University of California, Davis have a special program to create new and better types of peaches. This is called a 'breeding program'. Many private companies also have their own peach breeding programs in California. These programs help make peaches tastier, stronger against diseases, and easier for farmers to grow.

Popular Peach Varieties

The University of California recommends many different kinds, or 'cultivars,' of peaches for growers in the state. Some of these popular varieties include:

• Autumn Flame
• Elegant Lady
• Sweet Dream
• July Flame
• O'Henry – This type was created in California and is still very popular today.
• Brittney Lane
• Crimson Lady
• Rich Lady
• Spring Snow
• Summer Sweet
• Super Rich
• Zee Lady
• September Sun
• Snow Giant

Protecting Peach Trees from Pests and Diseases

Just like any other crop, peach trees can face challenges from pests, diseases, and weeds. Farmers work hard to keep their trees healthy and productive.

Common Pests of Peach Trees

Insects and mites can sometimes harm peach trees. Some of the most common insect pests are:

• Black Peach Aphid
• Brown Mite
• European Red Mite
• Oriental Fruit Moth
• Peach Twig Borer
• Plant Bugs/Lygus Bugs
• Stink Bugs
• Webspinning Spider Mites

Diseases Affecting Peach Trees

Peach trees can also get sick from various diseases. Some common diseases include:

• Armillaria Root Rot
• Bacterial Canker
• Brown Rot Blossom and Twig Blight
• Crown Gall
• Peach Leaf Curl
• Powdery Mildew
• Ripe Fruit Rot
• Rust
• Scab
• Shot Hole Disease of Peach

A disease called Peach Yellow Leaf Roll was first found in the Sacramento Valley in 1948. It became more common in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Tiny Worms (Nematodes) that Harm Peaches

Nematodes are tiny, microscopic worms that can live in the soil and damage the roots of peach trees. Some common nematode diseases are:

• Ring nematode
• Root Lesion Nematode
• Root-Knot Nematode

Weeds Around Peach Trees

Weeds are unwanted plants that grow around peach trees and can compete for water and nutrients. Some common weeds found in peach orchards include:

• Barnyardgrass
• Bermudagrass
• Field Bindweed
• Wild Blackberry
• Common chickweed
• Dandelion
• Johnsongrass
• Common Lambsquarters
• Prickly Lettuce
• Purple Nutsedge
• Wild Oat
• Common Purslane
• Russian Thistle

Smart Ways to Manage Pests (IPM)

Farmers use something called IPM to deal with pests, diseases, and weeds. IPM is a smart way to control these problems while being safe for the environment and people. It involves using different methods, like checking plants often, using natural enemies of pests, and only using treatments when truly needed. The UC IPM program provides lots of helpful information for peach growers on how to use these methods.

Managing Fungal Diseases with IPM

For fungal diseases, UC IPM suggests specific times for applying treatments and ways to prevent fungi from becoming resistant to these treatments. This helps keep the peach trees healthy for a long time.