Your source for orchard news & information in the Sacramento Valley
The University of California’s Walnut Improvement Program has been hard at work for decades breeding varieties with characteristic that are desirable to both growers and consumers. The following table compares many industry standards with more recent releases. 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Post-harvest scouting offers an opportunity to evaluate the current year’s orchard floor management plan, allowing you to see what weed species have escaped that year’s management plan, where they are, and how severe the infestation may be. These are all valuable pieces of information, which help design a management program that can meet the specific needs of the orchard from year to year. Continue reading
Drew Wolter, Junior Specialist Horticulture Intern, UCCE Sutter-Yuba Counties; and Brad Hanson, Weed Science Specialist, UC Davis Threespike goosegrass was first reported in California in 1967. Since then, this species has become a significant concern in almonds and other orchard … Continue reading
Updated July 2019; Originally posted July 2016. Adapted from “Hull Rot Management” by Dani Lightle, UCCE Farm Advisor, Glenn, Butte and Tehama Counties, and Franz Niederholzer, UCCE Farm Advisor, Colusa, Sutter and Yuba Counties, originally published May 2018; and “Almond … Continue reading
Elizabeth Fichtner, UCCE Farm Advisor, Tulare County; Carlos Cristosto, CE Specialist, Postharvest Physiology; Bruce Lampinen, CE Specialist, Plant Sciences The overall value of a walnut crop is based on yield and nut quality. Commodity prices are depressed, improving nut quality … Continue reading
Brown rot blossom/twig blight is the most important blossom disease of prune in California. Warm and wet bloom periods make for high pressure disease years – keep reading to ensure the program you are using adequately protects your orchard. Continue reading
Depending upon weather conditions, pathogen population and walnut variety, walnut blight caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis (Xaj) can cause significant crop loss. Blight damage in later leafing varieties largely depends on how high the overwintering population of inoculum built up on bud scales. Initial inoculum in dormant buds can be used to predict subsequent disease severity. Continue reading