California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • Managing Heat In California Avocado Groves

    California Avocado Commission — According to a new report released by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the Climate Science Alliance, Southern California agricultural regions will face more climate extremes — notably higher daily maximum temperatures and more frequent and intense heat events — in the coming decades. As Dr. Ben Faber notes in a recent blog post, although avocado groves have been successful in California, the trees are “poorly adapted to high temperatures and low humidity.” Therefore, avocado growers throughout the state should be aware of the impacts of heat on their trees.

    Avocado trees cool themselves by moving water through the roots and out their leaves through leaf pores known as stomates. As the water evaporates from the leaves, it helps maintain leaf temperature as well as prevent the trunk and branches from overheating. During a heat wave, an avocado tree tends to close its stomates to prevent excess water loss, which results in the leaf temperature increasing. In extreme circumstances, the leaves and stems can overheat and literally cook.

    California avocado varieties have different sensitivities to heat. While ‘Pinkerton’, ‘Lamb Hass’ and ‘Reed’ varieties are less susceptible to heat, ‘Hass’ and ‘Fuerte’ are most sensitive; and ‘Sir-Prize’ and ‘Sharwil’ tend to be somewhere in the middle.

    Protection Measures

    The timing of heat waves in California tends to coincide with peak season — when trees are producing their summer flush. When the temperatures is 100˚F or above, the trees tend to drop their fruit and flowers, thus excessive heat can impact the following year’s bloom.

    Well-watered trees will better tolerate the stresses imposed by a heat wave. Thus, growers should irrigate their trees in advance of a heat wave to ensure they are fully hydrated. Apply an additional 50% of the budgeted amount of water. If the heat wave lasts for several days, be certain to provide daily pulses of irrigation.

    Because avocado roots grow near the surface of the soil, mulch also helps trees manage heat by keeping the soil (and roots) cool.

    Cover crops also can aid in keeping groves cool. The cover crop can prevent water runoff, improve water retention in the soil, lower the air temperature in the grove and keep the soil cool.  In addition, cover crops will help improve soil structure, suppress weeds, increase soil organic matter and provide a home to beneficial pollinators and insects.

    Harvest During a Heat Wave

    Best practice is to make every attempt to wait and harvest fruit when the temperature is below 90˚F. No fruit should be harvested when the temperature is above 95˚F.

    When fruit is harvested during warmer temperatures, place the field bins in the shade to avoid exposing the harvested fruit to sunburn.  If fruit is left exposed to direct sunlight, the sunburn will only show up after it has been packed. Bins should be covered with bin covers or light-colored tarps. And bins should be sent to the packinghouse promptly to avoid decreased fruit quality caused by water loss.

    Heat Damage

    If you see significant leaf drop in your groves due to excessive heat, the following actions are recommended:

    • As soon as possible, whitewash branches exposed to the sun with special attention paid to branches on the west and south sides of the tree.
    • Trees that lose a significant portion of leaves cannot efficiently move water, therefore restrict irrigation amounts to ensure you avoid creating wet, soggy conditions that can lead to root rot. It’s best to irrigate less frequently and with smaller amounts of water.
    • Do not prune your trees — leave hanging leaves in place to protect the tree from sunburn. Once new tree growth has occurred (in the next 3 – 6 months), pruning can take place on living wood.
    • Adjust fertilization as you would with a frost-damaged tree: reducing the amount of fertilizer until the tree is re-established. If you see signs of a particular nutrient deficiency, adjust fertilization accordingly.

    For more information about managing heat in avocado groves, growers can view the following articles on the California avocado growers’ website:

  • CA Navel Orange Forecast Down 5%

    The initial 2020-21 Navel orange forecast is 84.0 million cartons, down 5 percent from the previous year. Of the total Navel orange forecast, 81.0 million cartons are estimated to be in the Central Valley. Cara Cara variety Navel orange production in the Central Valley is forecast at 7.0 million cartons. These forecasts are based on the results of the 2020-21 Navel Orange Objective Measurement (O.M.) Survey, which was conducted from June 15 to September 1, 2020. Estimated fruit set per tree, fruit diameter, trees per acre, bearing acreage, and oranges per box were used in the statistical models estimating production.

    This forecast includes production of conventional, organic, and specialty Navel oranges (including Cara Cara and Blood orange varieties).

    Survey data indicated a fruit set per tree of 319, unchanged from the previous year but b e l o w the five-year average of 363. The average September 1 diameter was 2.198 inches, below the five-year average of 2.218 inches. The Cara Cara orange set was 251 with a diameter of 2.232 inches.

    SURVEY SAMPLE

    A sample of 785 Navel orange groves was randomly selected proportional to county and variety bearing acreage, and 733 of the groves were utilized in this survey. Once a grove was randomly chosen and grower permission was granted, two trees were randomly selected. The Navel orange sample included conventional, organic, Cara Cara, and Blood orange groves.

    For each randomly selected tree, the trunk was measured along with all connected branches. A random number table was then used to select a branch, and then all connected branches from the randomly-selected branch were measured.

    This process was repeated until a branch was reached with no significant limbs beyond t h i s p o i n t . This randomly-selected branch, called the terminal branch, was then closely inspected to count all fruit connected to this branch, as well as all of the fruit along the path from the trunk to the terminal branch. Since each selected path has a probability of selection associated with t h e p a t h , a probability-based method was then applied to estimate a fruit count for the entire tree.

    In the last week of the survey period, fruit diameter measurements were made on the right quadrant of four trees surrounding the two trees of every third grove. These measurements were used to estimate an average fruit diameter per tree. Of the 733 utilized groves, 11 were in Madera County, 125 were in Fresno County, 436 were in Tulare County, and 161 were in Kern County.

    SURVEY HISTORY

    A Navel Orange Objective Measurement Survey has been conducted in the Central Valley every year since the 1984-85 crop year, except for the 1991-92 season due to a lack of funding. The data from the first two years were used for research purposes in developing crop-estimating models. The Cara Cara forecast was undertaken at the request of the California Citrus Advisory Committee. 

     

  • CA Citrus Mutual Commends Actions Regarding Seasonal & Perishable Products

    California Citrus Mutual commends the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) for the actions they recently announced to address the injury caused by increased imports of seasonal and perishable products. Low-priced imports have previously caused a substantial market disruption for the California citrus industry during its marketing season. We are encouraged by both the Administration’s plan and its determination to bring relief to fruit and vegetable growers who are suffering from similar import issues.

    The trade remedy steps announced include the self-initiation of Section 201 global safeguard action on certain imports, USTR’s coordination with specific sectors to monitor and investigate imports under the Section 201 provisions covering perishable agricultural products and citrus products, DOC’s coordination with effected sectors on possible self-initiated antidumping and countervailing duty actions, and the Administration’s indication that still other actions and investigations may be taken. These steps are essential safeguarding and supporting all U.S. fruit and vegetable growers harmed by this problem.

    In 2017, low-priced citrus imports from the Southern Hemisphere increased 40% over the prior year’s shipments, causing significant price declines and harm to California growers. Consistent with last week’s announcement, California Citrus Mutual will closely monitor imports in the coming California season and continue to coordinate with the U.S. Government regarding any import surges, unfair import practices, and injury to our citrus growers.

    About California Citrus Mutual (CCM)

    CCM is a voluntary, non-profit trade association representing CA citrus growers on the economic, regulatory, and political issues that impact them most.

  • California Table Olive Forecast Down Significantly

    The 2020 California table olive forecast is 30,000 tons, down considerably from last year’s crop of 89,400 tons, according to a survey conducted by the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Pacific Regional Office. Bearing acreage is estimated at 15,500, which results in a yield of 1.94 tons per acre.

    The Manzanillo production forecast is 25,500 tons, Sevillano production forecast is 4,000 tons, and other varieties are expected to total 500 tons.

    High heat and winds during bloom caused a poor set for California table olives. Labor costs and marketing remains an issue for California olives growers, with many uncertain how much of their crop will be economical to harvest.

    SURVEY SAMPLE

    There were 317 growers sampled for the survey. Reports from 165 were used to establish this forecast. The sample is designed to provide a State estimate of all varieties; estimates by variety are less precise. 

  • CA Prune Board Sees High-Quality Fruit in Short Crop Year

    The California Prune harvest wrapped up on schedule this year and growers have worked through the challenges of wildfires and market disruptions caused by the pandemic to harvest premium quality fruit consisting of an optimum range of sizes,setting up excellent opportunities to market the sweet, larger prunes for which California is famous. With early industry projections of a short crop, growers and handlers can now estimate production of 45,000 metric tons (50,000 short tons) of California Prunes, a decrease of 37% from the previous year.  Combined with the carry-in from 2019, handlers should have sufficient supply for the new selling season.

    As markets globally adjust to a “new normal” the California Prune industry remains focused on maintaining balance of supply and demand and reliably delivering the premium fruit that the world expects. Prune growers in California play an essential role in producing a premium product that offers health benefits, great taste, versatility, and shelf stability, all vital to what consumers desire in the current environment.

    Data reported to growers and handlers at the recent conclusion of the 2019 crop year (July 31, 2020) underscored consumer desire for California’s best-in-class prunes, as shipments to export markets jumped 17% and domestic shipments improved by 12%, as compared to the previous year.

    “While the pandemic has fueled consumers’ focus on healthy foods, the California Prune industry regularly promotes the nutritional profile and invests in nutrition research that elevates the health benefits of prunes,” said Donn Zea, Executive Director of the California Prune Board. “We are grateful that so many consumers have chosen California Prunes during this time. We plan on doing everything we can to earn and keep their trust.”

    California is the largest producer of prunes, producing about 40 percent of the world’s supply, bringing quality prunes to market from 40,000 acres concentrated in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys.

    ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA PRUNE BOARD

    Created in 1952, The California Prune Board aims to amplify the premium positioning and top-of-mind awareness of California Prunes through advertising, public relations, promotion, nutrition research, production research, and issues management. The California Prune Board represents approximately 800 prune growers and 28 prune, juice, and ingredient handlers under the authority of the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture.

  • California Avocado Commission Virtual Field Day, Sept. 17

    On September 17th from 3:30pm – 5:00pm the California Avocado Commission will host a virtual field day concerning Avocado Branch Canker disease that will consist of two 30-minute presentations by Dr. Themis Michailides, University of California Kearney Agricultural Center and Dr. Liz Dann, University of Queensland, followed by a question-and-answer session. Registration for the virtual event is now open.

    Dr. Themis Michailides, Professor of Plant Pathology, is one of the world’s leading experts on this group of fungi. He has been working on a CAC-funded project since October 2018 to determine exactly what pathogens cause avocado brank canker in California, the extent of their presence in California avocado groves and how they can be managed. He will present his research results to date and discuss why he believes this group of pathogens has become problematic in recent years.

    Dr. Liz Dann is a Principal Research Fellow with the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation at the University of Queensland, Australia. She has worked extensively on avocado diseases in Australia and has recently started studying the role of the Botryoshpaeriaceae in flower blight of avocados in Australia. She will share her knowledge of these pathogens with growers and the impacts they have on avocado production in Australia.

    Date: September 17, 2020
    Time: 3:30pm – 5:00pm
    Location: Online Webinar

  • CA Almonds: Global Shipments & Trends

    Almond Board of the California — As California almond growers consistently produce yields at record or near-record levels year after year, it is important that those nuts find a home. Increasingly, that means expanding existing export markets and continuing to grow demand in those regions, while always keeping an eye on new opportunities globally.

    In the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented a temporary challenge in moving nuts from California ports to export markets, a challenge coupled by situations like China’s continued tariffs. Still, the Almond Board of California (ABC) continues to strongly support the California almond industry through key marketing initiatives, education and negotiation with foreign trade officials, and frequent discussions with regulators in the U.S. and abroad.

    Take a deeper dive into how last year’s crop performed in terms of global shipments and hear from ABC program leads on market and trade trends, as well as ways that Almond Board staff are continuing to grow demand and support trade worldwide.

    Production: 2.55 Billion Pounds

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has a challenging task in forecasting California almond production. Each July, USDA-NASS releases the Objective Measurement Report, which is based on samples of orchards gathered from throughout the state and measuring/weighing of kernels in order to estimate that year’s production. The production forecast reflects a range, which USDA-NASS has been within nine points of in the last 13 years. However, the 2018 report was narrowly outside the range and the 2019 report missed the mark by quite a bit.

    To address this issue, in the fall of 2019 ABC convened an Almond Forecasting Task Force made up of industry members, USDA-NASS officials and ABC staff to review almond forecasting procedures and identify potential changes to sampling methodologies to improve future crop estimates. To help USDA-NASS refine its production estimates, the task force recommended leveraging almond acreage information from Land IQ, a Sacramento-based agricultural and environmental scientific research and consulting firm that developed and maintains a comprehensive living map of California almonds. Implementing that and other changes, USDA-NASS has improved its data collection process, and hopes remain high that future Objective Reports will be closer to actual crop yields.

    Total Shipments: Domestic and Export

    This past year, the industry saw nearly parallel growth between domestic shipments (which grew 4.5%) and exports (which grew 5.0%). This growth comes despite the current challenging trade environment. The California almond industry’s investment in nutrition research and global market development has helped lay a strong foundation for demand around the world that has helped the almond community navigate through tougher times.

    And the work continues. In the past year, the Almond Board expanded its areas of nutrition research with its first study in the area of beauty. To ensure consumers are keeping almonds top of mind, the Almond Board is also continuing its efforts to build demand through consumer marketing programs in 11 countries, from India and Japan to the U.S. and Mexico. The past year’s programs included launching new advertising campaigns in multiple markets, including in the United Kingdom and India to continue building demand globally for California almonds.

    “One of the things that I first noticed when I joined the Almond Board four years ago was the passion and pride staff have in helping grow this industry,” said Vice President of Global Market Development Emily Fleischmann, “and that fire continues. It’s what has helped our teams launch innovative new campaigns like ‘Do You Almond’ in the UK this past year and what helps almonds remain the number one nut in new product introductions for 10 years running.”

    Fleischmann said ABC’s marketing staff will continue to create additional ways to spread the nutritional and health message associated with almonds.

    “Our teams keep pushing harder to make our programs stronger year over year,” she said. “In the year ahead, stay tuned for more on our U.S. partnership with Olympian Kerri Walsh Jennings as she works toward the Tokyo Olympics, as well as a brand new campaign in France and our first digital program in India.”

    Export Shipments: Top 10 Destinations

    Global trade tensions with China have changed the landscape of priority markets.

    “Five years ago, China was our second-largest export destination. It stayed as the third-largest market for several years, surpassed only by the strong growth of the Indian market,” said Julie Adams, vice president of Global Technical and Regulatory Affairs for the Almond Board.

    With an increasing middle class and economic growth, China was on track to expand, and ABC’s marketing investments helped spur that growth. But retaliatory tariffs implemented two years ago changed that momentum.

    “Starting in April 2018, we saw the impact of the trade war, which took almonds from a 10% tariff to the current 55% tariff,” Adams said. “Over the last two years, shipments to China/Hong Kong dropped 25% in crop year 2018-19 and another 23% in crop year 2019-20, with Australia benefiting.”

    The situation has resulted in China dropping to fourth in the line of U.S. export destinations. Taking a long-term view, however, China still is key to building demand for expanded crop production.

    “Many of the trade issues we face in our markets – from import controls to food safety standards or pesticide MRLs – take a long time to resolve,” Adams explained. “It is essential that we build good relationships with trade and regulatory authorities in these markets so we can engage quickly to find a solution that will allow almonds to continue to flow freely into consumer channels.”

    ABC is widely respected by authorities worldwide for being proactive in understanding market needs and its ability to provide technical, fact-based information across a wide range of issues.

    Export Shipments: Regional Breakdown

    Global appeal among customers and consumers worldwide is clearly reflected in the almond industry’s regional shipments. Being well diversified helps counteract trade disruptions that can unexpectedly come up in one market or another.

    “There are so many growth opportunities around the globe,” Adams said. “For years, the Middle East and Africa were a small share of exports, but now they represent almost 20%.”

    While acknowledging the many challenges facing California almonds, Adams also believes “the opportunities are limitless.”

    Export Shipments: Product Type

    India remains the number one export market for U.S. almonds and the largest importer of in-shell almonds. Historically, India and China have been the primary destination for in-shell markets, but given the recent trade situation with China, India has absorbed much of those shipments.

    U.S. Agricultural Exports by Value

    Value Breakdown:

    • European Union (EU-27 + UK): Almonds are the number two export, at $1.8 billion, behind soybeans at $1.95 billion.
    • India: Almonds are the number one ag export at $732 million, accounting for 40% of all U.S. ag exports to India.
    • China and Hong Kong: Almonds are the second-largest tree nut export at $374 million and the seventh-largest ag product, overall.
    • Japan: Almonds are the ninth-largest ag export.
    • United Arab Emirates: Almonds are the number one ag export and account for around 23% of total U.S. ag exports.
    • South Korea: Almonds are the ninth-largest ag export.
    • Mexico: Tree nuts are a small-sector category for exports to Mexico at $342 million total and $99 million for almonds.

    Do you want to learn more about ABC’s global marketing and trade and regulatory work in countries across the world? Mark your calendar for Dec. 8-10 to attend The Almond Conference 2020. Held virtually for the first time this year, this ABC-hosted event will allow maximum global participation while offering the same quality information and engagement as past conferences. Learn more at almondconference.com.

  • Selecting the ‘Right’ Walnut Rootstock

    Walnut rootstock options were historically seedlings, either Northern California Black (Juglans nigra), or Paradox (a cross between English Walnut, Juglans regia, and Northern California Black). Those two options still exist, but as research and technology advances in walnut cloning, clonal rootstocks are becoming more available. With this new advancement, growers have questions. Hopefully, I can  provide some answers.

    What is the difference?

    There is a large difference between clonal rootstocks and Paradox seedlings. This is due in part to the genetic variability, or genetic differences, in Paradox seeds. UC/UCCE/USDA Walnut researchers, specialists, and farm advisors studied the genetic background of Paradox seedlings and found high variability from one seed to the next. This means that each seed is different from the next one. One seed might be more vigorous, one seed might be  more susceptible to phytophthora , one seed might encourage more seed production, while another encourages more leaf and branch growth. This leads to a highly variable stand of trees in an orchard. Clonal rootstocks, on the other hand, are cuttings of the same plant. Walnut varieties are a good example of this process, as every Chandler tree in California came from one single mother tree which was originally produced by a seed. Much like how every Chandler tree tends to produce the same nut (some differences do develop depending on the growing conditions), every RX1 clonal rootstock will develop similar characteristics in the tree. Therefore, a Chandler orchard on a clonal rootstock tends to be more uniform in growth than an orchard on Paradox seedlings.

    What is the RIGHT choice?

    I honestly cannot think of a single “right choice” in agriculture, there’s just options. Options are nice, but they can also be confusing. Here is some background information that might help the decision in the future. RX1 and VX211 are both UC selections,  chosen from acres of single seedling crosses based on their potential benefits. These were developed as a part of the Paradox diversity study done by UC/UCCE/USDA researchers, specialists and farm advisors. RX1 appears to show some tolerance to Phytophtora, a root infecting fungus like organism, but if disease pressure is high, the rootstock may still succumb to Phytophthora. VX211 was selected based on its potential tolerance to some nematode populations, but again, much like RX1 and Phytophthora, if nematode pressure is high, VX211 may still succumb. Both RX1 and VX211 were field tested against a handful of other selections as well as Paradox and Vlach. Vlach was developed by a private party which originated from a Paradox seedling tree in our very own county of Stanislaus. The tree was selected based on its high level of vigor.

    Are any commercially available walnut rootstocks resistant to crown gall?

    Short answer: no. Long answer: Paradox seedlings, RX1, VX211, and Vlach can all be infected with the causal agent of crown gall (Agrobacterium tumefaciens) and develop galls. YET the production of clonal  material AVOIDS many opportunities for infection. Paradox seedlings are collected from the field as walnut seeds. Previous UC/UCCE/USDA research (funded in large part by nurseries) demonstrated that Agrobacterium  tumefaciens is picked up from the ground in seed orchards. Nurseries funded this research to find ways to make their production better and have since developed ways to reduce crown gall in new Paradox  seedling  rootstocks  by  incorporating the use of tarps or catch frames. That said, Paradox seedlings are highly susceptible to Agrobacterium tumefaciens and clonal material skips this field collection step. Please be advised that orchards on RX1, VX211, and Vlach still require proper sanitation, ie,  cleaning pruners/loppers with 10% bleach solution or 70% ethanol and avoid wounding  the crown, trunk, and roots during planting and other practices.

    Are these our only options?

    When excluding Blackline (please see my summer 2019 issue for further information http://cestanislaus.ucanr.edu/newsletters/ Walnut_News_-_Fruit_For_Thought80737.pdf), for now, yes, but not forever. The California Walnut Board in combination with the US Specialty Crop Research Initiative is currently funding ongoing research in the breeding and development of future rootstocks. We are looking at three to four selections for various reasons, one of  which being resistance to crown gall. These rootstocks are being field tested now and will  be made available in the future provided they prove themselves worthy, in other words capable of producing a good crop.— By Kari Arnold Ph.D. UCCE Area Orchard and Vineyard Systems Advisor, Stanislaus County

  • Request for Research Proposals to Support and Enhance Honey Bee Health

    Scientific research provides us with the foundation of knowledge we rely on in order to understand honey bee health threats and address them.

    Project Apis m. and the National Honey Board are requesting research proposals to support and enhance honey bee health. Proposals will be accepted between September 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. Please visit www.ProjectApism.org/rfps to view the full RFP. PAm and NHB supported research projects can be explored in detail at the Bee Health Collective.

    In June, 2016 Project Apis m. (PAm) and the National Honey Board (NHB) announced that PAm would begin administering the NHB Production Research funds. This collaboration has streamlined efforts to support the beekeeping industry, by connecting the NHB research funding opportunities with several other efforts coordinated by PAm. This collaboration allows opportunities to consider a broader spectrum of efforts linked to supporting the industry, to support collaborations and synergy, and harmonize and access deeper resources when necessary for projects that need larger time or money commitments. Merging efforts has also resulted in one less round of work for all of our hardworking bee researchers who write proposals, the scientific reviewers who read them, and selection committees and administrators who see these processes through.

    The National Honey Board (NHB) is an industry-funded agriculture promotion group that educates consumers about the benefits and uses of honey and honey products. NHB research, marketing and promotional programs are funded by an assessment on domestic and imported honey and are designed to increase awareness and usage of honey by consumers, the foodservice industry and food manufacturers. For more information please visit www.honey.com.

    Project Apis m. (PAm) is the go-to organization at the interface of honey bees and pollinated crops. Since 2006, we’ve infused over $8.5 million into honey bee research and $2.9 million into forage programs, resulting in better pollination and increased crop yields for growers, and lower losses and better honey production for beekeepers. We work closely with commercial beekeepers, growers, and top bee scientists in the USA and Canada to fund projects and direct strategic efforts focused on practical solutions. PAm funds studies, offers graduate scholarships to encourage careers in pursuit of science-based solutions to honey bee challenges, and has expanding efforts to put forage on the landscape where bees need it most. We are a 501(c)5 nonprofit organization governed by an eleven-member board of stakeholders representing major national and state industry organizations, and an additional seven-member Science Advisory Board. Learn more at www.ProjectApism.org.

  • Tracking Almond Irrigation Improvement

    Almond Board of the California — For almond growers, better understanding your irrigation options and learning small ways to improve your practices has never been easier, thanks to the Almond Board of California’s (ABC’s) new Pathway to Irrigation Improvement guide.

    The guide – which can be downloaded or printed from ABC’s website – aims to help growers track their progress in implementing irrigation best practices, and is something growers can keep in their truck or office and to reference regularly. It is divided into four sections: Irrigation Systems, Water Use, Monitoring Soil and Plant Water Status, and Management. Each section has specific practices associated with it that are rated as Levels 1.0 (fundamental), 2.0 (intermediate) and 3.0 (advanced).

    For instance, under Irrigation Systems, a grower at level 1.0 would regularly record the pressure variation in his or her system and calculate an average application rate while irrigating. A 2.0 grower would employ more sophisticated practices – such as measuring distribution uniformity – to achieve “more crop per drop” of water, and then a 3.0 grower would be even more advanced as he or she would look to employ those efficient practices more regularly.

    Tom Devol, ABC’s senior manager of Field Outreach and Education, noted that all the information in the guide is culled from the 149-page Almond Irrigation Improvement Continuum, created by the Almond Board and the University of California’s Agriculture and Natural Resources team.

    “For this guide, we took the incredibly detailed Irrigation Continuum and restructured it with simplified visual cues,” Devol explained. “This way, when growers approach the Continuum and want to refer to specific sections that will help them reach the next level of efficiency, they can reference this guide to quickly understand where in the Continuum they should look.

    How to achieve ‘more crop per drop’

    To be most efficient in optimizing your irrigation practices, Devol said the first step for any grower is to “know how your irrigation system uses water and evaluate how well your system performs.”

    Next, growers need to focus on understanding water use.

    “How much do your trees need?” Devol asked. “We walk you through three levels to determine that. Then you need to determine second part, which is to understand how much water you’re using.”

    From there, growers are encouraged to gain a stronger grasp of their soil moisture and then learn how to best manage it, which especially helps growers in times when the trees may be experiencing more stress.

    The final element of optimal practices is the execution of learnings and best practices so growers can best set themselves up for success.

    “When you know what you’re doing, you will know how to manage it,” Devol said. “You have to first know your need, how much water your system is putting out and how to measure it, and then you’ll determine how to manage it.”

    Devol and his team work closely with growers up and down the state on irrigation practices. They use the feedback they receive face-to-face as well as information provided by growers who participate in the California Almond Sustainability Program (CASP) to determine the focus of their outreach.

    “For instance, from information pulled in aggregate from the CASP database, I can see where California almond growers (as a whole) are excelling and where an increase in improved practices could be achieved – where I have more work to do,” Devol said.

    As an example, Devol said that about 75% of growers still use visual means to determine tree stress instead of using a pressure chamber, which can provide a more accurate analysis of stem water potential (how much water moves through a leaf).

    “That tells me I need to do more training,” he said, adding that grower understanding of soil physics and plant stress are two of the most challenging and complicated areas with which he deals.

    Recognizing that pressure chambers are expensive tools – costing as much as $4,000 each – Devol and his team have developed what he calls a “lending library.” Growers can “check out” a pressure chamber for a couple of weeks and use it in their orchard before making a commitment to buy one. Growers interested in “checking out” a pressure chamber should email fieldoutreach@almondboard.com for more information.

    Ultimately, the purpose behind this guide and the larger Irrigation Continuum is to give growers useful information they can act on and provide support along their growing journey, striving to help the industry as a whole achieve the Almond Orchard 2025 Goals, one of which is to reduce water use by an additional 20%.

    “We have a really diverse grower population,” Devol explained. “With some practices, it’s hard to get to Level 3.0, and some practices simply don’t work well for certain growers’ orchard systems. We’re therefore just trying meet everyone where they’re at and help them make improvements to ultimately help them ensure a more healthy, productive orchard.”