By Ben Faber, UC Cooperative Extension — Laurel Wilt Disease of Avocado and the relatives of avocado in the Laurel Family has devastated the the forests along the east coast from North Carolina down to Florida and along the Caribbean into Texas. It has caused significant losses to wildlands and to the Florida avocado industry. The extent of the native tree loss is shocking and …
Four staff research associates will join the ranks of UC Cooperative Extension scientists in the coming months to support nut crop advisors conducting critical research in walnut, almond and pistachio production. The California Walnut Board, the Almond Board of California and the California Pistachio Research Board together have provided about $425,000 to cover annual salaries, benefits, travel and equipment for …
Pistachio growers have more options today when it comes to varieties and rootstocks to plant with. Watch this brief interview with UCCE Farm Advisor Elizabeth Fichtner as she shares some of the characteristics of rootstocks currently available to growers and some of the pros and cons to planting on a seedling vs. clone. Read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Happy Valentine’s Day from Pacific Nut Producer Magazine and the California Walnut Board. In the midst of American Heart Month, the California Walnut Board has launched an exciting new worldwide marketing campaign. Watch this brief interview with Jennifer Olmstead to see how you can get involved to promote heart-healthy walnuts, and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine. …
Grape growers last summer experienced some pretty significant periods of hot weather that, for some, negatively impacted the health of their vines and crop yield. In the center of much of this heat, Fresno County UCCE Viticulture Advisor George Zhuang has been researching ways to reduce the impact of such temperatures which are sure to return to both the Central …
As if California grape growers didn’t have enough pest issues to deal with, UCCE Entomologist Surendra Dara reported a recent resurgence of the Western Grapeleaf Skeletonizer in California. Watch this brief interview with Dara, as he shares where the pest is resurfacing and how growers can manage it both conventionally and organically. Read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine. …
Masked Chafer (AKA white grubs) have been problematic for blueberry growers, particularly in the Central Valley of California. The good news is that researchers and entomologists have come up with both organic and conventional methods treatments for these soil pests. Watch this brief interview UC Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor David Haviland to learn about these options and read more about …
Citrus thrips have been a major nuisance for California blueberry growers, but how do you keep them under control and when should you apply crop protection materials? Is there an organic treatment available? Watch this brief interview UC Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor David Haviland as he answers all these questions. Read more about blueberry pest management in California Fresh Fruit …
Nematodes are are pests of a host of crops, but what are the options for controlling them in vineyards? Watch this brief video interview with UC Cooperative Extension Viticulture Advisor Karl Lund as he shares both pre and post-planting options for managing nematodes. Some of these options are even compatible for organic growers, so check it out, and read more …
When is it too late to plant a pistachio orchard? How do you properly care for these young trees and ensure they get all nutrients they need to someday become healthy high yielding trees? Watch the interview with UCCE Farm Advisor Emeritus Bob Beede as he answers these questions, and read more about it in Bob’s monthly pistachio Orchard Tasks …
Craig A. Ledbetter: I do truly appreciate seeing this correction. Nine seasons of breeding efforts d...