Unseasonably warm weather could spell trouble for Texas fruit growers.
Although the mild temperatures have been enjoyed by most, Texas fruit growers may not share the same sentiment as warmer temperatures this early could cause potential fruit crop losses, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.
Blueberries, blackberries, peaches and other fruit crops could be affected by the weather.
“This heat wave we’re currently having in East Texas is not good. It makes us glad we’re not living in New York, but it’s not good for the fruit industry,” said Monte Nesbitt, AgriLife Extension horticultural specialist, College Station.
It’s a concern for many growers in Texas.
Crops that have accumulated enough chilling hours may start to come out of dormancy and begin to form buds or fruit. A hard freeze after budding can kill new growth and severely affect fruit production, Nesbitt said.
Chilling hours are the number of hours of cold temperatures during the winter that fruit trees need to fulfill winter rest requirements and produce a good crop. The warmer temperatures result in an insufficient number of chilling hours.
“But once we have a warm spell like this, a fruit crop’s accumulation of chilling hours is halted,” Nesbitt said.
Nesbitt said peach growers can help protect their crops by waiting as long as possible to prune.
“Pruning slightly stimulates bud activity and growing buds are more susceptible to a late frost,” Nesbitt said. “And you’re also removing branches or limbs that can help protect the lower parts of the tree in certain types of frosts.”
Pecans are a bright spot in the forecast. They need more heat units to break dormancy so they aren’t as vulnerable as other fruit crops.
For more information on the average last spring frost dates for different parts of Texas, visit the Aggie Plant Answers webpage.