Your source for orchard news & information in the Sacramento Valley
Nut samples were collected by UCCE advisors and analyzed and confirmed for BAN (brown apical necrosis) and walnut blight. If you observed BAN or walnut blight symptoms in your orchards this year, be aware that inoculum can remain for next year. BAN can lead to mold and reduce nut quality and yield, and walnut blight can reduce yield as infected nuts prematurely abort. Continue reading
In the middle of a drought, there are several management practices that may improve the retention of limited water resources. Read ahead to learn how groundwater recharge, winter cover crops, organic matter, and tillage can affect your water conservation plan. Continue reading
Growers and processors have reported elevated mold levels in harvested walnuts to farm advisors and Dr. Themis Michailides, UC Davis Plant Pathologist. Although all possible predisposing factors have not yet been investigated, conditions that compromise the integrity of the hull, such as walnut blight, sunburn or insect-damage can serve as an entry point for mold fungi. Continue reading
Historically, the recommendation from UC almond experts for the ideal time to shake was as soon as 100% hull split occurred throughout the orchard, however, these considerations vary widely among varieties and locations. Potential challenges that growers should consider when timing harvest include pest and disease management, nut removal/drying time, and nut quality. Continue reading
Read this article for prune orchard management tasks to keep in mind in November. Continue reading
Read this article for prune orchard management tasks to keep in mind in October. Continue reading