The Growing Edge is brought to you by Valent USA, the makers of Seize IGR for long-lasting scale control.
Early spring is a narrow window where the right decisions can set the tone for the entire season. In this episode of The Growing Edge, we sit down with Todd Burkdoll, field market development specialist at Valent USA, to discuss what growers should focus on right now in tree fruit, almonds, and table grapes.
Todd explains why the period between dormant and bloom is so critical, from staying ahead of brown rot before fruit even sets to knocking down overwintering pests like scale, peach twig borer, oriental fruit moth, and navel orangeworm. He shares practical insights on why dormant sprays work so well, how bare trees enable superior coverage, and which application conditions can make the biggest difference in performance.
You’ll hear guidance on building an effective dormant insecticide program, including the role of oil, contact products, and long-trusted chemistries like Seize and Asana, especially as options continue to shrink. Todd also covers how early-season pest control helps protect trees when they are most vulnerable after bud break.
The conversation then shifts to table grapes, where Todd explains why this is an ideal time for pre-emergence herbicides ahead of rain events. He describes how products like Chateau fit into a clean vineyard program, how soil activation really works, and why proper rates and tank mixes matter for long-lasting weed control through the spring and summer.
If you’re planning dormant sprays, bloom protection, or pre-emergence programs, this episode delivers practical, field-level insight to help you make the most of the early season and protect yield before problems take hold.
The Growing Edge is brought to you by Valent USA, the makers of Seize IGR for long-lasting scale control. Learn More at Valent.com/Seize.