Author Archives: Clarissa Reyes

2023 brown apical necrosis (BAN) and late-season walnut blight

Posted on October 19 2023 by Clarissa Reyes

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 →

Managing Mold in Walnut (Updated 2022)

Posted on July 13 2022 by Clarissa Reyes

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 →

When do you shake almonds?

Posted on July 6 2022 by Clarissa Reyes

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 →