Battling Pests Amid a Strong Citrus Set
In a recent conversation with AgNet West’s Nick Papagni, Jesse Silva of Kings River Packing in Sanger, California, shed light on a significant issue facing citrus growers this season—an uptick in thrip pressure tied to spring rainfall. While the rainfall brought some much-needed water to the region, it also created ideal conditions for certain pests to thrive, especially during a critical window of citrus fruit development.
Heavy Rainfall Fuels Thrip Activity
According to Silva, the timing of the rain coincided with a sensitive period in citrus production—the fruit set. “The trees are setting next year’s crops,” Silva explained. “We’ve already gone through the bloom time period, and fruit is most susceptible over the last two months as it’s setting.”
Thrips, small insects that feed on young citrus fruit, are of particular concern. “Thrip is a pest that kind of eats the top cavity of the fruit,” Silva said. “And we have to spray.” The issue is especially pronounced this year due to the increase in vegetation spurred by the abundant rainfall. “We see higher thrip pressures in the field,” he added.
Crop Quality and Market Implications
Silva noted that their team at Kings River Packing has taken proactive measures to monitor pest activity and apply protective sprays. “We’ve been very diligent in trying to identify these pests in our field,” he said. “We’ve done a really good job of spraying and doing some things. Hopefully we have really good quality for our customers.”
However, even with those efforts, thrip damage may affect fruit grading. “A lot of the thrip damage could be considered a number two grade orange or juice if it’s bad enough,” Silva explained. That could mean a reduced supply of high-quality, premium-grade fruit in the marketplace next season.
Looking Ahead
As growers remain on high alert, Silva emphasized the importance of continued diligence and pest management throughout the season. The impact of this spring’s pest activity may not be fully realized until citrus hits the market later in the year, but for now, California citrus growers are doing everything they can to protect their crops and maintain the quality consumers expect.
Listen to the full interview with Jesse Silva, covering more insights on pest management, market quality, and the broader challenges California citrus growers are facing this season.