Assistant professor at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Brett Blaauw says warmer winter temperatures could benefit peach producers by reducing pest populations.

Overwintering pests, like borers and stink bugs, rely on stored fat to survive cold seasons. Warmer conditions increase their metabolism, depleting fat reserves faster and reducing survival rates. Blaauw highlights that extended warmth can be more effective than cold in curbing pests.

University of Georgia climatologist Pam Knox notes that a La Niña weather pattern is expected to bring warmer, drier conditions through March.

Read more on how the La Niña weather pattern could help Georgia peach growers this year.