Your source for orchard news & information in the Sacramento Valley
High humidity, high temperatures and tightly clustered fruit create the perfect environment for brown rot. Brown rot treatment sprays, where deemed necessary based on current season observations and block history, should begin 4-6 weeks before harvest and are only useful on uninjured fruit. Continue reading
Commonly used IPM practices should be combined with insecticides to achieve the best results. In the 2020/2021 seasons, we evaluated the efficacies of multiple insecticides against NOW using the previous season nut (i.e., mummy nut) strands as substrate. Continue reading
This report covers the CIMIS stations in Woodland, Davis, Staten Island, and Verona for June 02- June 30, 2022. Continue reading
This report covers the CIMIS stations in Woodland, Davis, Staten Island, and Verona for June 02- June 30, 2022. Continue reading
New studies show that almond hulls and shells can be used as low-cost organic matter amendments and can release potassium into the soil. This can help increase soil exchangeable potassium with benefits to July leaf potassium values, and in the long term, could build soil organic matter content while reducing dust and erosion. Continue reading
Work continues at the Red Bluff mechanical pruning trial initiated in 2019, thanks to the California Prune Board. Continue reading
As the 2020 growing season approaches, California growers, PCAs and handlers will have new regulations to take into consideration. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the new requirements for handling paraquat (paraquat dichloride). The new EPA restrictions on paraquat aim to help protect Restricted Use Pesticide handlers, and others who may come into contact with these pesticides. However, these requirements will have a ripple effect on growers, distributors and the California agriculture community. Label changes emphasizing paraquat toxicity, restrictions and safe handling were completed November 2019. Continue reading
Selecting the optimal walnut rootstock for your orchard is a critical decision. To better understand what rootstock characteristics growers need, these researchers are asking walnut growers to take a ten-minute rootstock survey. Continue reading
Given that N fertilizer mismanagement have increased significantly and the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP) have implemented new regulations to prevent agricultural runoff from impairing surface waters, it only makes sense to use available tools to improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE). This article provides more information about what tools are available. Continue reading
Irrigation Evapotranspiration (ET) Report for Woodland, Davis, Staten Island, and Verona CIMIS stations. Continue reading
As we approach winter in the Sacramento Valley and almond trees enter dormancy, pruning becomes a top priority for many growers. Rain events are strongly correlated with the spread of fungal canker pathogens whose primary infection sites are pruning wounds. Results from sampling over 140 almond orchards found 21 different fungal pathogens associated with these canker diseases. While the pathogens differ in biology, there are common approaches to prevent infections. Continue reading
The Orchard Systems Area Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied problem-solving research program for Food producing clientele of Tehama, Butte, Glenn and Shasta counties. See this post for more information and to apply! Continue reading
Read this article for an update on codling moth and navel orangeworm pressure in 2021 as well as information on the emerging pest: flatheaded borer. Continue reading
Irrigation Evapotranspiration (ET) Report for Tehama County (Gerber South), Butte County (Biggs and Durham) and Colusa County (Williams) CIMIS stations. Continue reading
Irrigation Evapotranspiration (ET) Report for Woodland, Davis, Staten Island, and Verona CIMIS stations. Continue reading