The AM/DM podcast: Peaches and pathogens
Peaches from Cherry Creek Orchards on display for customers during opening day of the Collierville Farmer's Market in May 2024. (Benjamin Naylor/The Daily Memphian)
Historically, West Tennessee has been known for commodity crops such as soy, corn and especially cotton.
But in recent years, an increasing number of farmers in the area have started growing specialty crops — fruits and vegetables — because they’re generally way more profitable per acre. Think $6,000 per acre in revenue compared to $800 per acre.
But for some farmers, there’s an issue. Peaches are a popular choice among specialty crops — but you have to protect them from diseases such as peach scab and brown rot. And that’s where researchers from the University of Memphis come in.
Reporter John Klyce joins us today to talk about peaches and pathogens and how the U of M is trying to help local farmers.
Listen in.
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AM/DM farming University of Memphis peachesMary Cashiola
Mary Cashiola has been a Memphis journalist for nearly two decades, beginning her career covering city government and local neighborhoods at the Memphis Flyer before being hired by Memphis Mayor A C Wharton’s administration.
Before joining The Daily Memphian, she was the managing editor of the Memphis Business Journal, which was named one of the top 10 Best Designed Newspapers in the world by the Society of News Design while she was there.
She also has a background in advertising, with a focus on higher education and the hospitality industry.
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