Vine mealybug is a major pest grape growers all over California have to deal with. Not only does this insect produce honeydew that serves as a substrate for black sooty mold, but is also a vector for spreading devastating Leafroll-associate viruses. Watch this brief interview with UCCE Entomology Farm Advisor David Haviland as he shares options growers have for managing this …

Whole orchard recycling has been a great alternative to the traditional burning of aging almond orchards; however, incorporating the carbon rich wood chips back into the soil presents concerns for nitrogen availability upon replanting.  Watch this brief interview with UCCE Farm Advisor Brent Holtz as he shares his nitrogen application recommendations for replanting almonds following orchard recycling based on recent …

As growers prepare to begin monitoring their orchards for walnut husk fly emergence in June, watch this brief interview with Jhalendra Rijal from the Tree & Vine Expo, as he shares more about the nature of this pest and the limited tools growers have to control it.  Read more in-depth information about walnut husk fly control in the May issue …

Planting a new almond orchard? Watch this brief interview with UCCE Stanislaus County Director & Farm Advisor Roger Duncan as he shares some considerations for varietal selection based on his recent presentation at the Tree & Vine Expo. Read more about in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine. Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.

Growers in the San Joaquin Valley are not alone in dealing with the harsh impacts of drought.  The Sacramento Valley has been hit pretty hard as well, and almond growers are concerned with how this will affect the quality of their crop over the next few years. Watch this brief interview with UCCE Orchard Systems Advisor Luke Milliron as he …

While innovations in vineyard mechanization have come a long way, labor challenges still prevail in the California raisin industry — and those issues have been amplified since the pandemic.  Watch this brief interview with UCCE Viticulture Farm Advisor George Zhuang as he shares what labor-saving options growers have to stay in the game.  Read more about it in American Vineyard …

While walnut growers tend to pay more attention to walnut prices and varieties, rootstock selection can make a big difference in the establishment and longevity of their orchards. Watch this brief interview with UCCE Orchard Systems Advisor Luke Milliron as he shares characteristics and availability of new rootstocks for the walnut industry. Read more about in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine. …

Have you had a chance to meet Evie Smith, one of our new Staff Research Associates with the UC Cooperative Extension? Watch her brief introduction here to learn about her and the almond, walnut and prune projects she is working on with Sacramento Valley farm advisors. Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

Most agricultural news coverage of the wildfire impact last year focused on the wine grape industry.  Though raisins don’t share the same concern for smoke taint as wine grapes, the lack of radiant sunlight due to smoky overcast skies had a significant effect on the sugar accumulation and natural drying process for much of Central Valley raisin crop last year. …

A dry winter and spring impacts more than just water availability for the season. Watch this brief interview with UCCE Viticulture Advisor Gabriel Torres as he shares expected vineyard pest and disease pressures in a dry year.  Read more about vineyard pest and disease management in American Vineyard Magazine.   Please thank this video’s sponsor Vmech for their industry support.