California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • U.S. Dairy Exports to Benefit from New USDA-FDA Partnership

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will establish an interagency process to further support exports of U.S. dairy products. Both agencies play critical roles in facilitating foreign sales of American-made dairy products, which is recognized and appreciated by the U.S. dairy industry. This MOU will draw upon the expertise of FDA as well as USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) to deepen and streamline their work together on the issues facing dairy exports to the benefit of U.S. dairy farmers and manufacturers.

    The MOU, a project underway within the agencies since 2017, is designed to maximize efficiency in the U.S. government’s support for U.S. dairy export requests from foreign governments by outlining each agency’s primary areas of responsibility for dairy exports. For example, FDA’s responsibilities as outlined in the MOU focus on ensuring dairy products are safe and liaising with USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), and foreign governments on relevant food safety questions as necessary. AMS’s responsibilities focus on providing sanitary certificates and other export-related services to dairy exporters, such as export verification programs or facilitating the submission of facility questionnaires to foreign governments as needed. FAS’s responsibilities focus on facilitating sanitary certificate negotiations and liaising with foreign governments on matters related to dairy exports.

    “Today’s announcement of an interagency MOU on dairy trade between USDA and FDA is the result of years of conversation and efforts between stakeholders within the U.S. dairy industry and the U.S. government to establish consistent guidance on tackling the rising number of export challenges facing our industry. This MOU will help our industry continue to grow in an increasingly competitive global environment,” said Tom Vilsack, president and CEO of USDEC.

    “This new partnership ensures that the staff at USDA and FDA are working together in the most efficient way possible to lower barriers for our farmer’s dairy exports. Increasing U.S. dairy exports will strengthen the health of our farmers and rural communities, which is more important than ever as America’s dairy industry faces new and unprecedented challenges. We appreciate all of the hard work from both agencies and stand ready to support the USDA and FDA’s commitment to open new doors for U.S. dairy exports,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF.

    IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes, D.V.M., had this to say about the MOU: “We are excited to share this good news with IDFA’s members across the dairy supply chain. IDFA has been a tireless advocate for this kind of federal agency efficiency and cooperation, and seeing this collaborative effort come to fruition to support U.S. dairy exports is a tremendous accomplishment and a huge value-add for the dairy industry. IDFA appreciates the efforts of USDA and FDA to finalize this MOU and facilitate our industry’s global growth.”

    Beyond individual agency responsibilities, the MOU outlines how the agencies will communicate and collaborate to ensure dairy export markets remain open when new foreign requirements arise requiring the U.S. government’s response, such as recently implemented or revised certificates in China or Taiwan. The MOU also provides a published reference of each agency’s involvement in the export of U.S. dairy products, which will help address questions from foreign governments that may not have previously understood that more than one agency is involved in dairy exports.

    “In recent years, more and more countries have erected obstacles and barriers to U.S. dairy exports, including increasingly complex requirements for statements, certificates, questionnaires, and facility listings,” said Dykes. “While the U.S. government opposes overly burdensome requirements on behalf of U.S. food and agricultural exporters, U.S. officials are barraged with an influx of requests from foreign governments that make it increasingly difficult for all U.S. parties.  This MOU keeps our dairy industry and U.S. government a step ahead, positioning U.S. dairy for growth by streamlining roles and resources already in place.”

    In 2019, the United States exported $5.9 billion in dairy products, one of the strongest years on record for dairy exports. The MOU is effective immediately and can be reviewed here.

  • California Ag Leadership Foundation Announces New Leadership

    The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) has announced the hiring of two individuals to its leadership team, Dwight Ferguson and Abby Taylor-Silva, to lead the organization which operates one of the foremost leadership development experiences in the United States, the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP).

    “I am excited to announce that we are cultivating a new way forward as we continue to provide the premier leadership program in the nation,” said CALF Board Chairman Michael Young. “By building a strong team to meet these challenging times, we can continue to grow leaders who make a difference.”

    Ferguson has been selected to serve as president and CEO of the foundation. His predecessor, Barry Bedwell, is retiring after more than four years as CALF’s president and over four decades in representing production agriculture in the state. Ferguson has spent 30 years in the produce and floral businesses, largely in senior leadership roles, at top industry companies. His most recent position was with Naturipe Farms in Salinas, Calif.

    “Dwight has a track-record of growing ag businesses and the teams needed to build them,” said Young. “He is a recognized industry leader who is known for his management, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.”

    Ferguson earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Ohio University and a master’s degree in management from Aquinas College. He and his wife, Nancy, have two grown children.

    “I could not be happier joining Ag Leadership as president/CEO,” said Ferguson. “I believe in the mission and vision of the foundation and very much appreciate its history, culture and contributions made to California agriculture. I also recognize the excellent quality of its programs and look forward to working with all stakeholders, especially the board, alumni and staff, to build on CALF’s rich tradition of success.”

    Taylor-Silva will serve as the foundation’s executive vice president. She comes to the foundation after ten years as vice president of policy and communications for the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California (GSA), an agricultural trade association spanning the coastal region that includes Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito and Santa Clara counties.

    “We are extremely pleased to have Abby join our new leadership team,” said Young. “She is a true servant leader who will help move the foundation forward through these uncertain times.”

    Abby is a native of Monterey and San Benito counties and serves on the boards of the Salinas Rotary Club and the Community Foundation for Monterey County. She is a proud alumnae of the Ag Leadership Program’s Class 45.

    “I am delighted to join this team,” said Taylor-Silva. “The foundation made a distinctive and long-lasting impact on my personal and professional development, providing me with tools, perspective and an awareness-of-self that directly impacted my ability to effectively lead in various capacities. I look forward to the opportunity to build upon this extraordinary program, serve the foundation and support the next generation of California agricultural leaders.”

    The foundation’s board of directors recently welcomed Michael Young to serve as its new chairman. Young, an alumni of Class 35, is principal of Wegis & Young, a diversified farming operation which grows a variety of tree and row crops and manages agricultural property for individual and institutional investors.

    Three alumni of the program have been newly appointed to serve on the foundation’s board: Correen Davis (Class 45), Yissel Barajas (Class 40) and Paul Parreira (Class 44).

    “The addition of our new board members, along with our existing board, round out what is a dynamic leadership group that is reflective of the diverse nature of California agriculture,” said Young. “They, along with our new leadership team, will propel the foundation on a path of new horizons, positive growth and a sustainable future.”

  • Evaluating Compost Benefits in Alfalfa Hay for Improved Soil Structure & Fertility

    We all recognize human health as a goal, but healthy soils is a key goal for farming operations, since healthy soils frequently result in higher yields and economic returns over time.  “Health” is often defined with a range of properties including high fertility, good water-holding capacity and drainage, long-term productivity, and sustaining organic matter content.

    A joint UC Davis and UC Cooperative Extension research project was recently awarded funding for $250,000 from the California Department of Agriculture Healthy Soils Program, to look at the application of compost to alfalfa to improve soil structure and fertility. This grant is designed to fund implementation and demonstration of on-farm soil health practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and store carbon.

    The recipients are Kate Scow and Radomir Schmidt, UC Davis Department Land, Air, Water Resources and UCCE advisors Michelle Leinfelder-Miles and Rachael Long, in collaboration with Westside Spreading LLC.

    This project will demonstrate compost application to alfalfa for improving soil structure and fertility. Compost is not typically applied to alfalfa; however, manure application to alfalfa is common in the state’s dairy regions.

    The over half a million acres of alfalfa in California could represent an important repository for compost, for which a large land base of spreading may be needed as municipalities convert organic waste management streams to compost to divert from landfills.

    Alfalfa has the ability to take up large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus from the soil, which are harvested and removed in the crop. These nutrients are of concern in organic wastes due to their potential to contribute to water pollution.  Furthermore, alfalfa growers are interested in the potential of compost to improve soil structure in their alfalfa fields, as many growers report suffering from poor soil conditions.  Composts can improve infiltration and the acids generated by composts can improve soil structure and improve nutrient availability.  Often, large cracks form in heavy soils can cause poor soil structure due to the wetting and drying cycles of alfalfa surface irrigation management.  This wetting and drying cycle can also be deleterious to soil microbial health.

    Compost application has been anecdotally reported to alleviate soil cracking in another perennial crop, almond orchards, in the Central Valley, but soil structure improvement via management practices like compost application has received little research attention thus far.  Through this project, we will evaluate compost application to alfalfa for improving soil health. — By Rachael Freeman Long, Michelle Leinfelder-Miles & Dan Putnam (UC Cooperative Extension)

  • HLB Detection Triggers Quarantine Expansion in San Bernardino & Los Angeles Counties

    A quarantine expansion has been declared following the detection of the citrus disease Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, in five residential citrus trees located in Rancho Cucamonga. This is the first time the disease has been confirmed in Ranch Cucamonga, marking the fifth city in San Bernardino County to have had a positive detection of HLB. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and San Bernardino County to remove the HLB-infected tree and prevent the spread of HLB into neighboring areas.

    The expanded quarantine area will merge with the existing quarantines in San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties. The expanded portion is bordered on the north by Big Tree Cucamonga; on the west by Pauda Avenue in Claremont and Mount Baldy Road; on the east by Interstate 15; and on the south by Foothill Boulevard and Interstate 10 in San Bernardino County.

    The updated HLB quarantine maps for San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties are available online. Please check this link for future quarantine expansions in these counties, should they occur.

    The quarantine prohibits the movement of all plant parts or citrus nursery stock out of the quarantine area. Provisions exist to allow the movement of commercially cleaned and packed citrus fruit. If you are a grower within the new quarantine expansion area, please contact CDFA’s emergency quarantine response program at 916-654-0312 for information on these provisions.

    Fruit that is not commercially cleaned and packed, including residential citrus, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits and kumquats, must not be moved from the property on which it is grown, although it may be processed (removal of stems and leaves, and a thorough washing) and/or consumed on the premises.

    Residents are urged to take several steps to help protect citrus trees:

    • Do not move citrus plants, leaves, or foliage into or out of the quarantine area or across state or international borders. Keep it local.
    • Cooperate with agricultural officials placing traps, inspecting trees, and treating for the pest.
    • If you no longer wish to care for your citrus tree, consider removing it so it does not become a host to the pest and disease.

    CDFA staff have scheduled removal of the infected tree and are in the midst of a treatment program for citrus trees within 250-meters of the find site. By taking this action, a critical reservoir of the disease and its vectors will be removed, which is essential to protect other citrus trees on the property, neighbors’ trees and the community’s citrus from this deadly disease. CDFA, in partnership with USDA, local county agricultural commissioners and the citrus industry, continue to pursue a strategy of controlling the spread of the Asian citrus psyllids while researchers work to find a cure for HLB.

    Questions? If you are a citrus grower in San Bernardino County and have questions about this detection, please contact your grower liaison Sandra Zwaal at szwaal2@gmail.com.

  • Pythium & INSV Infections in Salinas Lettuce Fields

    In 2020 the incidence of Pythium wilt (caused by Pythium uncinulatum) of lettuce has increased in severity and in the number of affected fields. Pythium infections in lettuce fields have been observed frequently, but not always, occurring with INSV infection. As a result, there has been confusion distinguishing between these two diseases and the role of each of them in causing the problems in fields. In this blog we will discuss these two diseases and explain from our current state of knowledge about the disease dynamics occurring in affected fields.

     INSV has been a production problem on lettuce in the Salinas and surrounding valleys for a number of years and in 2020 it continues to be a serious production issue. Pythium wilt of lettuce is a relatively new problem and was first discussed in a blog entry in October 2015 by Steve Koike (https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=19327 ). However, in 2019 and 2020 we have seen an increase in the number of acres affected by Pythium wilt as well as the severity within fields. Given that Pythium is a relatively new problem and the extent of the problem suddenly increased, some growers and PCAs are confronting this problem for the first time. To add to the confusion, at times INSV and Pythium infections are occurring together on the same plants which has caused confusion and has led to much speculation about the role of each disease in the observed damage.

    Symptoms of INSV

    Issues with INSV infections on head and leaf lettuce types are not a new occurrence in the Salinas Valley and many growers and PCAs are familiar with the symptoms and the patterns of infection in the field, especially on romaine. In general, INSV on lettuce causes characteristic patterns of chlorosis and necrosis on the inner leaves of the plant, as well as significant stunting (Photo 1). However, INSV can cause significant necrosis and lesions on and at the base of the ribs of lettuce plants (Photo 2). It should be mentioned that Tomato Bushy stunt virus (TBSV) can cause symptoms that can be confused with INSV and Pythium wilt; however, lettuce dieback symptoms are always seen on the outer, older leaves and the TBSV pathogen is commonly restricted to low-lying areas along the river. In addition, head lettuce varieties and some romaine varieties are resistant to this virus. When in doubt, it is important to have a sample tested. That said, INSV is the overwhelming virus issue facing growers and PCAs in 2020.

    Moderate to severe symptoms of INSV on ribs of romaine.

    Viral vs. Fungal Symptoms

    One important detail about lettuce plants infected with only INSV is that they do not exhibit wilting of the outer leaves of the plant or show root rot or root discoloration. This is important to note because in 2019 and 2020 we have visited many fields where the plants exhibit symptoms of INSV and have wilting older leaves. In these situations,  the roots and crowns of the plants should be examined for symptoms caused by soilborne pathogens such as the wilt pathogens (Fusarium and Verticillium), Sclerotinia, and Pythium. Fusarium and Verticillium do not cause rot on the fine roots or crown. However, they always cause characteristic vascular discoloration in the taproot and crown of the plant. Distinguishing these two pathogens without a laboratory evaluation is not advised, but in general, Fusarium occurs earlier in the crop cycle and often causes a red-to-brown discoloration internally along the taproot and at the base of the crown. Symptoms of Verticillium on the above ground parts of head lettuce become obvious close to harvest; the taproot and crown tissue of infected plants have dark brown-to-black discolorations. Plants with INSV can also be infected with Sclerotinia (S. minor) which is recognized by the characteristic rotting of the crown tissue of the plant and the presence of white, cottony growth and small blacksclerotia (Photo 3). Plants infected with Sclerotinia easily break off at the soil line when you gently tug on them. However, if the plants do not break off at the soil line and do not show any rot on the crown tissue but do exhibit rot on the fine feeder roots or lower down on the taproot, then Pythium wilt is suspected and can be verified by laboratory evaluation.

    Sclerotinia infection on lettuce. Note that it infects and rots crown tissue of the plant.

    Biology and Symptoms of Pythium

    Pythium wilt is caused by the water mold, Pythium uncinulatum. It infects lettuce roots with swimming spores (zoospores) that move to the roots within the water film in the soil. Additionally, it produces a second type of spore (oospore) that allows the pathogen to survive in the soil in the absence of a host plant. Previous studies have reported P. uncinulatum is almost exclusively a pathogen of lettuce and does not cause disease on other vegetable crops. However, it remains unknown whether other crops may contribute to a build-up of the pathogen in the soil. Affected plants will exhibit rotting of the fine and tap roots (Photo 4) and frequently dark discoloration of the inner core of the main root (Photo 5). Symptoms of the above ground parts of the plant include stunting, yellowing, and wilting of the outer leaves and eventual death (Photo 6). Sometimes the plants have a characteristic look where the younger leaves remain upright, but the older leaves are totally wilted down to the soil (Photo 7). This year, we frequently observed fields where plants are infected with Pythium wilt but are also infected with INSV. These mixed infections are confusing and make it more difficult to distinguish what is the cause of the damage. In our experience to date, plants that show foliar symptoms of INSV and that have wilting older leaves are typically infected with both INSV and, in many cases, Pythium wilt. It should be mentioned that we have also observed plants infected with INSV as well as Fusarium.

    Pythium wilt infection of fine lettuce roots.
    Pythium wilt infection on lettuce taproot.
    Mini romaine infected with Pythium wilt.
    Romaine infected with INSV and Pythium wilt. Note that the older leaves are wilted and lay on the ground.

    The distribution of Pythium wilt in a lettuce field can be variable. Earlier in the summer, fields with this disease typically were infected along the upper or lower ends of the field indicating that the disease may be responding to irrigation or drainage issues. It is possible that there may be a difference in the level of infection between sprinkler and drip irrigated fields, but we cannot say anything definitive at this time. The disease has been found from King City to Castroville. There is a significant difference in the susceptibility of varieties. In fields with multiple leaf type lettuce, we have observed significant differences in susceptibility among varieties with red types being less susceptible (Photo 8). Recently, there have been severe losses in some fields. It is not clear as of this writing, but it is possible that the incidences occurred in response to the heat spells. It is likely that diseased plants were not able to withstand the weather stress due to damaged roots or that extra water applied to address the heat may have stimulated the development of Pythium wilt. Another observation we have made is that at times Pythium mostly infects the fine roots higher up on the root system and in other situations it is more severe at the bottom of the taproot (Photo 9) which may indicate disease initiated farther down on the root system. Given that the disease needs a period of soil saturation for the swimming spores to travel to the roots, issues with soil preparation, drainage and irrigation management may affect the severity of the disease.

    Difference in susceptibility of two green leaf lettuces and a green leaf and red leaf lettuce to Pythium.
    Plant with Pythium wilt infection lower down on the tap root (note the plant on the top with healthy fine roots higher up and infected tip of the tap root).

    Research Efforts

    Daniel Hasegawa is conducting research on the epidemiology and spread of thrips and INSV. JP Dundore Arias is working on a project with the California Leafy Greens Research Board monitoring the occurrence of Pythium wilt in the Salinas Valley. He is also characterizing isolates of this disease to better understand the organism and will be conducting preliminary evaluations of the sensitivity of the organism to fungicides. Given the rapid onset of severe damage of Pythium and the continued severity of INSV, we are trying to better understand these diseases and how they may interact. We are interested in receiving samples of Pythium wilt. Please contact Richard (rifsmith@ucdavis.edu) or JP (jdundorearias@csumb.edu) to submit samples.

    Authors: Richard Smith, JP Dundore Arias, Daniel Hasegawa and Steve Koike

    Farm Advisor, UCCE Monterey; Plant Pathology Professor, Cal State Monterey Bay; Research Entomologist, USDA ARS; Director, TriCal Diagnostics, respectively

  • Merced Dairy Farmer Donates Easement to Mitigate for School Building

    The California Farmland Trust (CFT) is pleased to share that another property in Merced County has been permanently protected. Simon and Christine Vander Woude, have donated a conservation easement on their property in Merced. The Vander Woude’s nearly 65-acre parcel of farmland is currently planted in field crops for their dairy operation and will forever remain in agriculture.

    “I served on the building committee for the development of Stone Ridge Christian High School,” shared Simon Vander Woude. “The school is a project we were very passionate about. When it was determined that the school would need to mitigate for the land they were building on, I was pleased that we had a parcel that could be utilized for such purposes. Given our interest in the school, we were happy to donate the value of the easement and know that the land would forever be protected,” Vander Woude added.

    The property, located on the westside of Merced, met the mitigation requirement as defined by Merced County, and that’s where CFT stepped in. As a land trust focused on farmland, CFT worked with the Vander Woude’s and the school, to ensure this property would be protected and monitored forever. The agricultural conservation easement (ACE) complimented the Vander Woude’s other sustainability efforts, which include a solar field, as well as other efficient and regenerative water and farm management practices.

    “No two easement projects are the same, but this is unique because Simon and Christine felt so strongly about donating the value of the easement to help the school fulfill the mitigation requirement. Foregoing compensation for the development rights isn’t an easy choice, but we commend their decision,” said Charlotte Mitchell CFT Executive Director.

    The Vander Woude property compliments the existing 34 easements and more than 11,000 acres, that CFT has worked with landowners to permanently protect in Merced County.

    The California Farmland Trust is a California Non-Profit 501(c)(3). Our mission is to help farmers protect the best farmland in the world. To date, we have protected 16,708 acres of farmland on 77 family farms. To learn more visit us: www.cafarmtrust.org.

  • Managing Root-Knot Nematodes in Crop Rotations

    A question came up about managing root-knot nematodes in processing tomato and lima bean rotations.  Root-knot nematodes are tiny worm-like soil dwelling pests that cause root galling on plant roots, resulting in significant yield and quality losses. Symptoms of severe root-knot infestations include patches of chlorotic, stunted, necrotic, or wilted plants. These nematodes also predispose plants to other soilborne pathogens that cause root rot and wilt diseases. For example, a bean variety resistant to infection by the Fusarium wilt pathogen will become susceptible to this disease if infected with root-knot nematodes.

    What is the link between nematodes in tomatoes and limas? Dr. Phil Roberts, Nematologist at UC Riverside shared the following response:

    There are several root-knot nematode species and they differ in their response to resistance in tomato and various bean crops. Most common in our Sacramento Valley area are Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica. These nematodes are normally controlled by Mi-1 gene based resistant tomatoes, but there are resistance-breaking populations so that could be the reason for the infection on tomato (unless the tomatoes grown were not actually resistant). A further possibility is that the species is M. hapla, which is not controlled by the tomato resistance. M. hapla tends to induce smaller pearl-like galls on tomato roots and is not common in the Sacramento and northern San Joaquin Valleys.

    Root-knot Nematodes Causing Galling on Tomato Roots

    As to rotating with lima beans, limas are susceptible to these root-knot species but there are resistant varieties available. Beja Flor baby lima has strong root-knot resistance. It was bred to contain three resistance genes that do a good job of blocking M. incognita and M. javanica. It yields well with the caveat that Steve Temple (former UCCE legume specialist) used to remark that it is more Lygus bug susceptible than some varieties, so if a grower went with UC Beja Flor they would need to keep up on the Lygus management. UC Luna baby lima has no root knot resistance. Other lines carrying M. incognita (but not M. javanica) resistance are the large limas White Ventura N and UC92.

    If root-knot nematodes are present in a field with a history of Fusarium wilt, choose varieties that are resistant to root-knot nematodes as well as to the particular Fusarium wilt race present when possible. Another option is to rotate with root-knot nematode resistant cowpeas (blackeyes) instead of limas.  Based on host-range tests, some varieties of cowpea have more root-knot nematode resistance than tomato. For example, some root-knot nematode races are virulent and highly pathogenic to Mi-1 gene based resistant tomatoes but not to nematode resistant cowpeas. — By Rachael Freeman Long & Amber Vinchensi-Vahl, UC Cooperative Extension

  • Wine Industry Affected by Wildfires Seeks Extension of Disaster Payment Program

    With growers and winemakers facing unprecedented losses from the devastating West Coast wildfires, leaders of 10 wine industry groups are seeking help from Congress to obtain immediate disaster relief.

    Specifically, they are requesting an extension of the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) to cover 2020 wildfire-related losses. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, WHIP+ provides disaster payments to producers to offset losses from wildfires, hurricanes and other qualifying natural disasters. In 2019, California growers received WHIP+ payments for 2018 covered crop losses due to wildfires, as well as quality losses due to smoke exposure.

    “Farmers are resilient and they accept the many risks inherent to agriculture, but 2020 has produced more challenges than any could have ever anticipated. It’s absolutely essential that Congress extends disaster assistance to California winegrape growers,” said California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) President John Aguirre.

    A jointly signed letter was recently to Congressional leaders by the 10 organizations, including CAWG, California Farm Bureau Federation, Oregon Wine Board, Oregon Winegrowers Association, Oregon Farm Bureau, Washington Winegrowers, Washington Farm Bureau, WineAmerica, Wine Institute and Winegrape Growers of America.

    Additional information:

    >Letter to Congress from organizations

    >USDA WHIP+ webpage

  • Report Provides Data on New Almond Varieties

    Almond Board of California—Innovation always has been part of the almond industry. That includes exciting research about new almond varieties intended to meet the changing needs of consumers, end buyers and fast-growing export markets.

    There are about 70 different varieties of almonds grown around the world. California orchards produce about 30 varieties, though 13 of them – with Nonpareil dominating – account for 98% of what is regularly grown. While other countries may grow multiple other varieties, when it comes to total production California remains on top, producing more than 80% of the world’s almonds and supplying millions of pounds annually to more than 90 export markets.

    Still, California growers and handlers must continue to adapt to provide almonds that satisfy shifting consumer appetites, end-buyer demands and other market forces. What a confectionery business or chocolatier wants in an almond can vary greatly from what someone snacking in India or China wants, which can differ largely from what a company producing almond milk in the U.S. wants.

    The diverse uses for almonds and ever-changing preferences continue to influence demand for specific kernel characteristics such as flavor, appearance, shape, texture and color. Similarly, to continue improving not only what we grow but how we grow, the industry is looking into almond varieties that check horticultural boxes, including the ability to produce more pounds per light intercepted and self-compatibility.

    Recognizing the need to constantly innovate and maintain high demand for California almonds, the Almond Board of California (ABC) began funding almond variety development research in the early 1970s and expanded that effort in the late 1980s to include rootstock breeding. Over the past 20 years, this research has delivered five new University of California (UC) varieties – Padre, Sonora, Kester, Winters and Sweetheart – and supported testing of most commercial varieties and rootstocks for overall performance, resistance to pests, diseases and abiotic stresses. The research has kept California on the cutting edge of almond production globally.

    Now, for the first time, decades of data and results from ABC’s first-ever Crack Out Day (an event held last November at which industry members tasted and compared more than 60 almond varieties from around the globe) have been pulled together in a comprehensive breeding report. For growers looking to replant their orchards as well as nurseries and private breeders, the report offers critical information about the performance and potential promise of different almond varieties.

    “The California almond industry is always looking for better and more sustainable almond varieties,” said Sebastian Saa, ABC’s associate director of Agricultural Research. “We’re convinced that through research and innovation, we’ll find varieties that produce not only more pounds of almonds, but also higher quality with reduced management costs and horticultural inputs in terms of water use, pest management and more. As technology and experience advance, it will allow us to discover better, more efficient varieties.”

    Saa listed the following as some of the key takeaways and learnings provided by the report:

    • The growing number of self-compatible varieties being developed globally.
    • Spanish varieties are mostly hard shell, but some new selections are soft shell and should be evaluated in California.
    •  Spanish breeding programs have mastered late-bloom varieties and self-compatibility traits.
    • The Australian breeding program has some varieties that scored very high during Crack-Out Day and should be evaluated in California.
    • Several varieties created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and UC breeding programs are performing quite well in ongoing trials in California.

    ‘Diversification is key’

    Breeding is an art of balancing improvements while accepting some trade-offs. To define this balance, experts must consider the various segments of the almond industry, starting with the growers, moving to the hullers and shellers, handlers, food companies and then, ultimately, the consumer. As Saa said, “Diversification is key.”

    “Different uses and different needs demand different varieties,” he explained. “When you think about an almond variety for snacking, for example, you think about crunch and strong flavor. But when you think about a variety for almond milk, you’re probably thinking about milder flavors. And if you’re looking for a variety to cover in chocolate, you’re looking for a short but round kernel shape.”

    Nonpareil and other soft-shell varieties dominate the snack segment because of their shape, smooth surface and light blonde color. Mission varieties like Marcona, Butte, Padre and Fritz typically are used for natural roasted and bulk purposes, as well as in candy and chocolate applications. And California varieties like Carmel, Monterey and Wood Colony often are roasted, salted and flavored. They also are good for slicing and slivering.

    Key varietal differences covered in the report include a summary of how many popular almonds grown in California are auto-incompatible, meaning they require cross-pollination between different varieties, and yet how some of the new varieties are self-compatible, requiring no cross-pollination. Another horticultural distinction covered in the report is crack-out percentage and double percentage. California varieties and some Australian varieties have a high crack-out percentage (kernel-to-shell ratio). In addition, the report discusses different varieties’ tendency to produce kernel “doubles,” and finally, maturity rate and its impact on harvest timing is also mentioned. Armed with this knowledge, said Saa, growers can be more flexible and have more operational diversification.

    “If you have only one variety that you need to harvest within a narrow window, you put a lot of demand on your resources at one critical point in time. However, when you have multiple varieties that you can harvest sequentially, you can leverage your equipment and maximize your resources,” Saa said. 

    Looking ahead to the future of breeding

    Creating new almond varieties is a slow and complex process. It can take as long as 15 years to develop a new breed and then another 10 to 15 years to truly test it.

    “Once you develop a variety, you need to see how it performs under differing weather and environmental conditions — and there’s only one harvest per year,” Saa said. “So in order to be confident in a new variety, we need to test during multiple harvests across the valley. Today, we’re trying to do that more efficiently than ever before.”

    To provide a mechanism to evaluate new varieties across the diverse almond-growing regions in the state, the Almond Board began funding long-term and multi-locational Regional Varietal Trials (RVTs) almost 50 years ago. The first trial ran from 1974-1981 and the second from 1993-2006.

    The current RVT – involving orchards in Butte, Stanislaus and Madera counties, all planted with 30 identical varieties – began in 2014. Saa expects the study to last until 2025. ABC coordinates with the UC’s research system on the RVT, and the UC provides important contributions from the leading plant nurseries and private breeders in the state.

    Saa said some important characteristics that researchers will evaluate in RVTs moving forward include:

    • a bloom period that begins no earlier than Nonpareil,
    • self-compatibility,
    • crack-out percentage equal to or more than 40%,
    • percentage of kernel “doubles” equal to or less than 10%, and 
    • increased yield potential.

    Growers interested in ABC’s RVT are encouraged to check out UC Davis’ Fruit & Nut Research & Information Center, as updated information from the ongoing RVT is expected to be published on the center’s website in early 2021.

  • Opportunities for US Pecans in Taiwan Snacking Industry

    Taiwan pecan imports rose by 74 percent (by volume) in 2019, making Taiwan the second largest Asian market for U.S. shelled pecan exports. Though the number is still small, the Taipei ATO believes there is strong room for pecans to expand in the market, particularly led by the snacking sector.

    Taiwan imports of U.S. tree nuts reached a record high in 2019, amounting to 10,908 metric tons (MT) valued at US$79 million. Across all types of tree nuts, almonds and walnuts consistently account for the majority, holding 47 percent and 35 percent, respectively. Trailing these categories are pistachios (14 percent) and pecans (4 percent), both of which show robust growth from a relatively small base.

    Worthy of attention is the pecan growth, rising by 74 percent to 403 tons, making Taiwan the second largest Asian market for U.S. shelled pecan exports. Though the number is still small, the Taipei ATO believes there is strong room for pecans to expand in the market.

    Taiwan Imports of U.S. Pecans (Unit: ton, US$) 

    According to the trade, the sharp growth in pecan exports is credited to its more competitive pricing in 2019 and the strong demand from the snack manufacturers, coupled with diverted shipments caused by Chinese’s sudden tariff increase. Note that 80 percent of tree nuts in Taiwan are used in food processing, such as roasted tree nut snacks or tree nut powder drinks for breakfast meals. Pecans is no exception to this rule of thumb. Unlike other market’s versatile uses of pecans in the bakery sector, Taiwan bakers tend to use pecans for decoration purposes only. The high pricing pushes bakers away from using pecans, while walnuts are instead substituted. In terms of product specifications, either food processing or bakery sector demand for “halves,” as they consider “whole kernel” appearance is a way to differentiate pecans from walnuts. The most commonly imported pecan format are shelled fancy mammoth and shelled junior mammoth.

    The future demand growth for pecans relies on a long-term coherent education program targeting users and consumers. Although more and more consumers consider pecans as a health food full of good fats and fiber, they are not familiar with its distinctive flavors and uses in cooking. Even in Chinese, the different translations between walnuts and pecans are often unclear or inconsistent. Consistent widespread sampling and education can convey product uniqueness and bridge the pricing barrier. — By Katherine Lee, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service