Researchers and growers are tackling the formidable tree nut pest Navel Orangeworm from all fronts.  One method underway is in utilizing the same sterile insect technology and facility that eradicated pink bollworm from the cotton industry years ago.  There have been some challenges in adapting the system for Navel Orangeworm, as shared by Bob Klein from the Pistachio Research Board; …

Along with record high pistachio production in the western United States in 2018, a record number of acres were planted to pistachios as well last year. Is this good news or bad news for the pistachio industry? Watch this interview with American Pistachio Growers’ Executive Director Richard Matoian to find out, and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer …

Good news for the grape industry. Growers now have access to more nematode resistant rootstocks than ever before. UCCE Viticulture Farm Advisor Karl Lund recently talked about the characteristics and availability of these rootstocks at Malcolm Media’s Tree & Vine Expo in Turlock, CA. Watch his brief interview and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

Almond pollination is underway in California and growers are hoping for another good crop this year.  How can you monitor the progress of your bees during almond pollination and determine when it is time to remove the hives?  Watch this brief interview with Billy Synk from Project Apis m. for some answers, and read more about it in the March …

The Almond Board of California recently unveiled their vision of industry in 2025 and set some ambitious goals on how to get there.  These goals were not just made for the sake of pleasing the consumer and community, but also for the longterm success and viability of the industry moving forward.  Watch this brief interview as Daren Williams from the …

How do you maximize the efficacy of your investment in bees for a successful almond pollination period?  According to Billy Synk, director of Pollination Services with project Apis m., the answer is planting cover crops in the fall that will flower prior to almond bloom to get the bees active early in preparation for a successful pollination period.Watch this brief …

Once confined mostly to the Great Plains of North America, coyotes have spread across much of the continent, and can be a real threat and nuisance to farming communities. Check out this brief interview with USDA Wildlife Specialist Derek Milsaps, as he offers some recommendations on how to identify and deal with these pests. Read more about it in the …

Rodents of unusual size —California has got them! The new kid on the block is Nutria, a semiaquatic rodent, that has invaded California’s waterways, and is doing a lot of damage.  USDA is asking farmers for help in locating these pests to be removed. Derek Milsaps from USDA-APHIS presented some information on this pest at the Tree & Vine Expo …

The California raisin industry maintains their reputation for producing the highest quality raisins in the world; however, they are no longer the highest yielding raisin community in the world.  The dynamics of raisin marketing also need to evolve with changing economic and consumer trends.  Sun-Maid CEO Harry Overly addressed this at their Annual Meeting and shared Sun-Maid’s plans to increase …

Over the last couple years, Central Valley raisin growers have been receiving great prices for their crop; however, that hasn’t stopped the continual raisin grape vineyard pullouts going on. So what’s going to change the tide and bring more balance and longterm prosperity for this much needed industry in California? Check out this interview with Sun-Maid Chairman Jeff Jue and …