ag-formation

SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE                                  Telephone (803) 734-2210

D. LESLIE TINDAL, COMMISSIONER                                        Becky Walton, Director of Public Information

P.O. Box 11280, Columbia, South Carolina 29211                                         bwalton@scda.state.sc.us

www.scda.state.sc.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2001

COLUMBIA---Agricultural prospects for another frost include:

Peaches:
Some late varieties are still in the early to mid growth stages. Other varieties are just three to four weeks from picking.

Some thinning early in the season is good, but some trees have already sustained thinning several times by frost.

Some growers use sprinklers to keep frost from forming on trees. Others use wind machines to keep frost from forming on peaches. However, that's not always an economically feasible investment for some growers.

Strawberries:
"The major problem will be ground surface temperatures," Dr. Dale Linvill, Clemson Extension agricultural meteorologist, said earlier in the week. He added that "radiational cooling will be working to drop surface temperatures."

Linvill advised strawberry growers to have frost protection in operation.  Growers should  monitor ground level temperatures and start protection when surface temperatures are still above freezing.

"The initial wetting of the plants will shock cool them to near 28 degrees F when air temperatures are 34 degrees F," he said.

Other crops:
 The wheat crop is heading (maturing), and corn is coming up or is already up---both are at a tender stage.
 
Black plastic on melon, tomato, squash, and other fruit and vegetable beds may help retain heat to reduce the affects of frost, but the vines could twist and turn, if there is a strong wind.

Home Gardens:
Homeowners are advised to protect other tender plants using a simple cover. Soil temperatures are warm enough in newly planted soil to act as the heat source when a cover is used.

There are many variables that affect agricultural production during a late frost---variety, stage of growth, temperature, length of time the temperature is down. Growers will only know the affects of this late frost several days after the frost has made its untimely visit.

Growers, farmers, and home gardeners---everyone---must depend on whatever weather Mother Nature brings. For more information about agricultural production and weather conditions, contact Dr. Dale Linvill, (864) 656-4070 and the State Climatolgist at 803-737-0800.