2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

**Pollinator Protection

Pollinators are vital to setting fruit crops. Growers need to aware orchard practices that can help them survive and thrive.

Jamie Kopco, Penn State University

3:00 PM - 3:45 PM

Ernie Christ Memorial Lecture: Developing New Peach Cultivars for the Eastern U.S.

Presentation of new peach cultivars being developed at Clemson University for the Eastern United States.

Dr. Ksenija Gasic, Clemson University

3:45 PM - 4:15 PM

Opportunities & Growth for the Peach Industry: A Look at Market Impacts to Selling Peaches

A review of the retail peach market and the changes to consumer purchasing patterns and perceptions of the domestic peach industry will be explored to provide areas of strength and opportunities for marketing of peaches in the future.  The information is based upon actual retail sales as monitored by Nielsen Insights from coast to coast and border to border.  Plan to join us for a lively discussion.

Ms. Kay Rentzel, Executive Director National Peach Council

4:15 PM - 4:45 PM

*Fall Application of Ethephon for Bloom Delay in Peach & Sweet Cherry: Pros & Cons

Spring frosts exacerbated by global climate change have become a common threat to temperate fruit production. Induction of bloom delay by plant growth regulators (PGRs) has been suggested as an effective frost avoidance strategy. Ethephon is an ethylene-releasing PGR that has been found to delay bloom in several fruit species, yet its application may be coupled with damages to the fruit trees.

Dr. Sherif Sherif, Virginia Tech