Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 3, 1991 TAG: 9104030204
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Lowell Gobble, Virginia Tech extension agent in Roanoke County, said clouds have protected orchards during recent cold nights.
The result, he said, is that "some varieties in some orchards have been thinned to some slight degree."
A cold, clear night could do more damage in low-lying areas, Gobble said. "You get a little bit of kill at 30 degrees," with the danger heightening as the temperature drops further.
He pointed out that the local peach crop has failed in three of the last five years, including the last two years. A few orchards in high elevations were able to harvest a crop last summer, but "for the most part, you could have hauled most of the Bedford and Botetourt peaches in your car."
Because they bore no fruit, however, peach trees have produced a high number of buds this season. Orchardists also pruned less than normal.
Gobble estimated that only 5 percent or 6 percent of the buds would be needed to produce a crop. He said the peach crop will depend on the number of overnight frosts between now and mid-May, but orchardists are optimistic about a good harvest.
Apple trees don't come into full bloom until about April 22 and are in no danger from the cold, he said.
by CNB