1. ENSO and Chill Hours in Georgia Peaches; Some Initial Results CLIMATE PREDICTION APPLICATIONS SCIENCE WORKSHOP9-10 March 2004, Florida State University David Emory Stooksbury, Ph.D. State Climatologist Engineering and Atmospheric Sciences The University of Georgia stooks@engr.uga.edu 706/583-0156

2. What does this mean for Peaches? • Do different ENSO patterns impact the date at which critical chill hours are reached (number of hours below 45 F)? • Is there an increased risk of freeze damage associated with different ENSO patterns?

13. Conclusions • There has been no trend in the date at which critical chill hours are reached • There is no trend in the date of the last 28F in the spring

14. ENSO Conclusions • The Winter Climate Pattern Determines When Critical Chill Hours are Reached • Chill Hours are Reached Earlier during Neutral and El Nino Climate Pattern Winters • No relationship between ENSO and Date of the Last 28F • Increased Risk of Late Freeze Damage during Neutral and El Nino Climate Pattern Winters