Navel orangeworm is an ongoing issue for nut growers and estimating worm potential could be a valuable tool in management. “One of the bases of integrated pest management is doing …
Study Results Help Understand Red Blotch Disease
Grapevine red blotch virus, a disease that is dramatically reducing the value of winegrapes in California’s premium wine production region, is harming plants by inhibiting photosynthesis in the leaves, according …
Mechanical Pruning Becoming More Viable for Grape Producers
Researchers continue to look at how mechanical operations affect crops as labor costs continue to rise. Central Valley wine, table grape and raisin growers gathered in Fresno County to watch …
Almond Update: Orchard Recycling Research Showing Strong Results
Orchard recycling research has been going on for over 10 years. UC Cooperative Extension Advisor Brent Holtz has been leading the project and said they continue to see positive results. …
Almonds Get $6 Million in Trade Promotion Funding
The California almond industry will receive more than $6 million to help identify and access new export markets. USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue announced that the USDA has awarded the Almond …
Unexplained Thrips Increase Helping Control Mites
A rise in beneficial insects against mites is somewhat unexplained but welcomed. There has been an increase in six-spotted thrips over the last several years. “We’re not sure why, but there …
Almond Update: Improvement Grant Deadlines Approaching
California has allocated money to help growers improve practices in their orchards. Almond Board of California’s Spencer Cooper said the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) has been helping …
Wet, Cloudy Early Winter Should Benefit Pistachios On Off Year
The cloudy and wet winter so far is good news for pistachio chilling hours. Three things much of valleys have seen so far during the winter months is precipitation, fog and cloudy …
Sterile Pink Bollworm Project Had Issues Too
Similar to the sterile navel orangeworm project, pink bollworm sterilization efforts had issues at first too. California Pistachio Research Board Manager Bob Klein noted the same problems as UC Cooperative Extension Specialist Houston …
Challenging Years Ahead for Wine Industry?
A longstanding wine industry report stated that the next five years wouldn’t be a smooth ride. Silicon Valley Bank has produced the State Of The Wine Industry Report for 18 consecutive …
Little NOW Damage in Pistachios Never Happens Twice
Letting up on your navel orangeworm management program in pistachios based on your last season experience isn’t a good idea. NOW damage and management was, of course, a large part of …
Grapeleaf Skeletonizer Flaring Up Again in California
A familiar foe to grape producers is back on the radar as a few reports of grapeleaf skeletonizer are coming out of the Central Coast. The western grapeleaf skeletonizer (WGLS) was first found in California back …
Sterile Navel Orangeworm Project Tweaks Expected
It’s no surprise that the sterile navel orangeworm (NOW) project in Kern County needs some tweaking. Sterilized male moths in the pilot project that is releasing irradiated moths into orchards to …
Almond Update: Participation Crucial for Industry Sustainability
The California Almond Sustainability Program (CASP) is a tool for growers to help share what they are doing in the orchard with the general public and join the sustainable journey. Almond Board of …