Your source for orchard news & information in the Sacramento Valley
Hull split and the pesticide application timing for navel orangeworm control on new crop nuts are fast approaching. Timing, coverage and pesticide selection, in that order, are critical to getting the best possible results from spray applications. Continue reading
Because the percentage of ant damage is related to how long the nuts remain on the orchard floor, planning for ant management this season is vital. The size of this year’s crop will likely translate into longer periods of almonds sitting on the orchard floor waiting for pick up – especially for growers that depend on contract harvesters. Continue reading
Infections by Rhizopus stolonifera and Aspergillus niger occur after hull split because these are wound pathogens that require an opening to enter and infect the hull. The best, current approach to managing Rhizopus hull rot management includes three parts. The first two steps help to manage the environment, with respect to the disease triangle, while the latter seeks to control the pathogen. Continue reading
Codling moth are challenging to control during the growing season because the larvae burrow inside nuts to feed, keeping them safe from natural enemies and insecticides. However, during winter months, larvae are more vulnerable to predators, offering opportunities for biocontrol by natural enemies, including insectivorous birds. Continue reading
If you wait too long to put on the first hull split spray, it doesn’t matter if it’s done by air, ground or robot, what’s in the tank, how slow you drive or what spray volume you use – you are too late to get the best control possible and it will cost you in both lost crop and quality incentives. Once you get the timing right, you have to get excellent coverage when you spray or you will not get the best control possible and the best net return. Continue reading
Two rootstock experiments in grower orchards were planted in Northern California in 2011. One site in Butte County and a second in Yuba County. The two sites are evaluating the performance of Improved French on 14 rootstocks planted in replicated randomized trials. We previously reported in this newsletter on the results from this trial in 2015 and 2017 issues. Here, updated results are given. Continue reading
With increased demand for personal protective equipment, or PPE, to protect against COVID-19, agricultural professionals are facing shortages. But there is alternative PPE that agricultural professionals can use during the shortage. Continue reading
In 2018 Dani Lightle reported leafing failures in Monterey following several calls she investigated. In 2020, UC advisors, specialists, and professors are again receiving calls reporting leaf out issues in several almond varieties, but most notably in Monterey. Continue reading
A key role of roots is the uptake of water and nutrients. Roots do not function well when exposed to too much water and will stop growing and eventually die in stagnant and/or saturated soil conditions. We consider how a better understanding of root biology can inform best irrigation practices. Continue reading
It’s well known that non-infectious bud failure is a genetic disorder that occurs in many almond varieties in California. Nonpareil or any variety with Nonpareil parentage in its genetic background can be affected by the disorder, most notably Carmel. Continue reading
“Technology” has different meanings for different people (Figure 1). In irrigated agriculture we look towards technology to meet our changing needs and sustain our industry in the long run. However, with technology, “confusion” and a sense of overload can hinder our ability to learn and apply it. This article considers the abundance of irrigation technology and the challenges with its adoption. Some ideas are offered to cope with the sense of confusion and overload. Continue reading
Weeds in young orchards compete with trees for orchard resources such as sunlight, water and nutrients. This can lead to reductions in growth and future yields. If weed stands are allowed to mature, not only are they harder to control via chemical and mechanical methods, but they can also create cover for voles and gophers, which can then damage tree trunks, root systems and irrigation systems. Continue reading
Walnut blight is caused by the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis (Xaj). This devastating bacterium can overwinter in between scales of healthy buds, “waiting” to be rain-splashed onto the developing flowers and leaves. Continue reading
Bacterial blast, although thankfully not a problem every year (hopefully including 2020), can be tremendously damaging to almond yields. Because Sacramento Valley almond growers were significantly impacted by bacterial blast in two of the last three years, crop loss data from Sacramento Valley counties supported a Section 18 emergency request for the use of Kasugamycin on almonds. Continue reading
Since mid-January the lack of rainfall has come to the forefront of our minds, and we have an updated precipitation picture as of late February 2020. Continue reading