Yearly Archives: 2024

2024 Emergency Use (Section 18) of Kasumin® 2L Approved for Prevention of Almond Bacterial Blast

Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae is ubiquitous in orchards, so bacterial blast can develop whenever environmental conditions are right (freezing or near-freezing and wet). While copper sprays have been used to protect trees from bacterial blast, resistance is common in P. syringae populations throughout the state. Unfortunately, it is no longer effective for controlling bacterial blast in some orchards, however, Kasumin® 2L has been shown to be effective. Continue reading

Wet winter concerns: Phytophthora and waterlogging

Excessive water, caused by rain, flooding, or even overirrigation, is a challenge for orchards and can cause two very different problems: waterlogging and Phytophthora infection. Given that we had bountiful rain this winter and orchards with standing water were common, continuous monitoring and collaboration with your PCA or farm advisor will be increasingly valuable. Continue reading

Winter sanitation critical for reducing insect pest damage risk to almonds in 2023-2024

Winter sanitation is becoming increasingly important. This past year many growers in the Sacramento Valley experienced levels of navel orangeworm (NOW) damage not seen since the early 1980s. A successful winter sanitation can reduce damage from NOW and other almond-eating pests, like the Carpophilus beetle. Continue reading

Wet years can lead to aerial Phytophthora outbreaks in almond orchards

Pytophthora was detected as early as mid-February in Fresno County and reported statewide by the early summer of 2023. Almond growers should be prepared to respond to strengthening El Niño conditions and the possibility of a recurring outbreak of aerial Phytophthora. Read for insights about the disease symptoms, the pathogen biology, as well as some management guidelines for this relatively rare but serious disease of almond. Continue reading