This session examines two major challenges shaping the future of peach production. Pavlina Drogoudi will discuss the physiological and environmental factors associated with split pits in peach. Greg Reighard will then explore the evolution of peach production systems.

*  Split Pit in Peach: Cultivar Risk, Early Fruit Growth, Rainfall and Crop-Load Decisions
This talk will examine the major factors that influence split pit risk in peach, including cultivar susceptibility, rapid early fruit growth, rainfall patterns, and crop load. The session will focus on how these factors interact and how growers can use crop-load and orchard management decisions to reduce the likelihood of split pits developing.
8:30am - 8:50am
Pavlina Drogoudi - Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources

*  The Peach Orchard of the Future: Rootstocks, Orchard Systems, Labor and Climate Risk
This talk will explore how peach orchards may need to change in response to rising labor costs, increasing climate variability, and new opportunities in rootstocks and orchard design. Greg Reighard will discuss advances in rootstock selection, higher-efficiency production systems, mechanization, and strategies for building orchards that are more productive, resilient, and economical to manage.
8:55am - 9:30am
Greg Reighard - Clemson University