Files
Abstract
As a means of forecasting probable maturity dates of standard Elberta peaches, the growers
in Mesa County, Colo., in past seasons have had only the 126-day average elapsed time
from full bloom to the date of shipment of the first car. Methods for forecasting maturity
dates more accurately than those formerly used were developed by the authors and
are described in this paper. Empirical methods, utilizing daily maximum temperatures
from full bloom until June 30, gave calculations accurate within plus or minus 3 days in
25 of 26 years, relative to the first 25-car day, and in all 26 years relative to the first carlot
equivalent. The new methods appear to offer a means to enhance harvesting and marketing
operations, effect financial savings, and reduce waste.