Science of fruit growing displayed at Oconee farm

South Carolina peach growers could extend the life of trees infected by root disease by using a new planting technique.  That technique is on display at Clemson University’s Musser Fruit Research Center near Seneca.  By planting trees in shallow engineered berms with the top parts of the roots exposed above ground, plant pathologist Guido Schnabel says growers can prevent the devastating fungus known as “oak root rot” from progressing.  The fungus can’t live above the soil line because it doesn’t tolerate extreme temperatures.  The planting technique was displayed during the annual field days held at the research center.  Fruit growers from across the state visited the 240-acre research facility.