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 …

As growers have experienced a wet winter and early spring, it may be a little more difficult to determine exactly when to start irrigating their young pistachio trees. In some cases, they might also notice what appears to be a boron deficiency as the young trees start leafing out, which might actually just be a symptom of too much water …

Biocontrol agents, beneficial microbes, entomopathogenic fungi and bacteria that can enhance crop production — these were all topics of discussion at the recent UC Cooperative Extension Ag Innovations Conference in Santa Maria, led by UCCE Entomology & Biologicals Advisor Surendra Dara.  Watch this brief interview with Surendra as he shares more about what was discussed.    

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.

Malcolm Media’s Tree & Vine Expo was once again a big hit for growers & crop consultants looking to get a better grip on pest management in their orchards.  One of the seminars featured UC IPM Advisor Jhalendra Rijal who shared how to more effectively incorporate mating disruption in their navel orangeworm control programs.  Watch his brief interview and read …

Pocket gophers can be very detrimental for growers, especially those with young orchards.  So how do you minimize populations of these pesky critters?  Watch this brief interview with Julie Finzel from the UC Cooperative Extension as she offers growers three quick tips for effective management.  Julie will also be addressing growers on wildlife issues at the upcoming Grape, Nut & …

Farmers are used to dealing with insect pest and small furry rodents, but how about wild pigs? Now, this is a more common issue in some areas more than others; nonetheless, pigs can wreak a lot of havoc in vineyards, orchards and field crops, so exploring your management options is key.  Watch this brief interview with Julie Finzel from the …

It takes time for the nitrogen found in dairy manure water to become available to feed crops out in the field, and as dairy producers don’t want to under or over fertilize their feed crops, the UC Cooperative Extension is conducting a research trial to find out more regarding how manure water interacts in the soil with plant root systems. …