Sac Valley Orchards

Ryan Hill, UCCE Weed Science and Agronomy Advisor, Tehama, Shasta, and Glenn Counties Overview: Rimsulfuron (sold as Matrix, Hinge, Grapple, Revolt, and others) can be used in tank mixes to control difficult winter-annual weeds like hairy fleabane and Italian ryegrass and even suppress summer perennial weeds like johnsongrass and yellow nutsedge when applied appropriately. Research conducted in 2025 (linked ...

Rodenticide and Bait Stations Bait stations are available by request via email. The first two are free while supplies last, but additional bait stations can be ordered for a fee. Scan the QR code to order via email. CDFA rodenticide bait is avaliable for purchase from the following County Agricultural Commissioner’s offices: Alameda, Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Merced, ...

Dr. Rich Rosecrance and Karla Caldera, Department of Plant Science, California State University, Chico Potassium (K) plays a major role in prune production—fruit size, sugars, and dry-away. Many growers use foliar potassium to supplement soil programs, but results can be inconsistent. Recent field trials using rubidium (Rb) as a tracer help explain why. The results show ...

Jaime Ott, UCCE Tehama, Shasta Glenn, Butte Counties The Bottom Line: – Despite warm weather near Improved French bloom, most orchards have a heavy crop this year. – We have high GDH30 values, so expect an early harvest and poor crop sizing. – To maximize fruit size despite the warm weather, consider thinning before reference date and targeting a modest ...

Franz Niederholzer, UCCE Farm Advisor, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba Counites Bottom line: In many prune orchards in the Yuba City/Gridley area, it looks like a decent to good crop set, but early bloom + warm post-bloom weather may deliver: early reference date (April 13-16 this year?) a relatively poor fruit sizing year (early thinning, where needed, should improve final dried fruit ...