California Ag Network

Category: Pest/Disease Management

  • Economic Analysis Reveals Significant Impacts of Pesticide Policies on California Lettuce Production

    Today, Californians for Smart Pesticide Policy (CSPP) released a comprehensive economic analysis highlighting possible implications of elements of California’s proposed Sustainable Pest Management (SPM) framework that would result in impacts on the state’s lettuce production industry. The study, conducted by economists Jarrett Hart, Duncan MacEwan, Jay Noel, and Amrith Gunasekara, underscores the critical need for effective and timely pest management solutions to safeguard the state’s agricultural productivity.

    The economic impact of pesticide restrictions is profound, with projections indicating a 7.3 percent decrease in California’s lettuce production due to restrictions on key pesticides such as neonicotinoids and pyrethroids. This would result in an annual loss of $160.3 million to producers and an additional cost of $694.28 million to consumers. Additionally, the shift in production from California to other regions like Arizona and Mexico would increase production costs and consumer prices, further straining the state’s agricultural economy.

    The consequences of delays in pesticide registration are equally concerning. The study reveals that California’s stringent and lengthy registration process leads to a reduction in lettuce production, with producers losing $42.8 million and costing consumers $139.3 million annually. The state’s process, which can extend 1-3 years following federal approvals, hinders innovation and delays the availability of new, effective pest management products to California growers.

    Market shifts and regulatory leakage are anticipated as a result of these proposed policies. The economic analysis predicts a modest short-run decrease in lettuce prices and a production shift from California to Arizona and Mexico. In the long run, more stringent pesticide policies would drive a significant portion of lettuce production out of California, resulting in increased prices throughout the supply chain, including for consumers.

    The implications of the proposed SPM framework are significant. While the SPM framework aims to phase out harmful pesticides, without viable alternatives, this policy could undermine California’s agricultural sector.

    CSPP is dedicated to balanced pesticide policies that protect California’s agriculture and economy while ensuring environmental sustainability and public health. We strive to promote informed decision-making through comprehensive research and economic analysis. For more information on this study and CSPP’s initiatives, please visit our website at https://ca4pestpolicy.org/.

  • Fruit Fly Quarantines Lifted in Contra Costa & Los Angeles Counties

    California Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has officially declared an end to the Tau fruit fly quarantine in Los Angeles County, and an end to the Oriental fruit fly quarantine in Contra Costa County following the successful eradication of the invasive pests.

    Tau Fruit Fly Quarantine

    The Tau fruit fly quarantine, which was established in the Santa Clarita area of Los Angeles County, was the first-ever quarantine for the Tau fruit fly in the Western Hemisphere. It encompassed the city of Santa Clarita and surrounding areas in parts of Stevenson Ranch, Newhall, Castaic Junction, Oat Mountain and Del Valle.

    Thanks to the diligent efforts of Santa Clarita area residents, local agricultural officials, the Los Angeles County Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures, and officials from CDFA and the United States Department of Agriculture, the invasive pest has been successfully eradicated from the area as of June 28.

    “Following one of the largest statewide invasive fruit fly populations we’ve seen in a number of years in California, we’re incredibly proud that we’ve been able to successfully achieve eradication of the Tau fruit fly,” said Victoria Hornbaker, director of CDFA’s Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division. “The lifting of this quarantine proves that our efforts are working, and the responsiveness and cooperation of residents across California and our partners is critical to that success.”

    During the quarantine, crops that are hosts for the fruit fly — which include more than 300 varieties, such as citrus and other fruits, nuts, vegetables and berries — were not allowed to be moved from the properties where they were grown. Commercial crops were required to meet stringent treatment or processing standards before being harvested or moved.

    Oriental Fruit Fly Quarantine

    The announcement comes 10 months after officials first detected populations of the Oriental fruit fly in the area. This destructive pest has been eliminated through the cooperation and diligence of Contra Costa County residents and local agricultural officials, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), working in coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner.

    “We’re pleased to report this is the third Oriental fruit fly quarantine lifted in California this year,” said Victoria Hornbaker, director of CDFA’s Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division. “These recent successes prove that through the cooperation of residents across the state and our partners, eradication of invasive species is possible.”

    While several fruit fly quarantines have now been lifted in California, additional quarantines remain and still threaten the state’s natural environment, agriculture and economy. To review all active quarantine maps, please visit CAFruitFly.com.

    When at home, residents are encouraged to stay vigilant for signs of invasive pests. To help prevent any future introductions of invasive species, residents should follow these guidelines:

    • Cooperate with agricultural officials and allow them access to your garden to place traps, inspect plants, conduct necessary treatments or remove potentially infested produce.
    • Determine if your property is located within an active quarantine area by visiting CAFruitFly.com.
    • Buy fruit trees and vegetable plants from licensed California nurseries. Purchasing agricultural goods from uncertified sources can spread invasive pests. Source your plants locally and responsibly. To find a licensed nursery near you, visit CDFA’s Directory of Licensed Nurseries.
    • Inspect your garden for signs of invasive fruit flies or maggots and report any findings to CDFA at 1-800-491-1899 or your local county agricultural commissioner’s office.
    • When entering the United States from another country, avoid bringing agricultural products — including fruits or vegetables. Help us protect our agricultural and natural resources and California’s unique biodiversity from invasive fruit flies — please Don’t Pack a Pest (dontpackapest.com) when traveling or mailing/receiving packages.

    To learn more about invasive species and how to protect the county’s fruits and vegetables, visit CAFruitFly.com or contracosta.ca.gov.

  • California DPR Awards $2.6M to Accelerate Adoption of Effective and Sustainable Pest Management

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has announced $2.6 million in grant funding awarded to eight projects that advance the adoption of safer, more sustainable pest management.

    The department awarded $1.72 million in Research Grants to fund projects that advance integrated pest management (IPM) knowledge, tools and practices. DPR additionally awarded $942,000 in Alliance Grants to fund projects that promote or increase sustainable pest management though the implementation, expansion and adoption of effective, proven and affordable IPM systems or practices.

    Over the past 20 years, DPR has awarded more than $26 million for over 100 projects that advance the use of IPM. Previously funded Alliance and Research Grant projects are available on DPR’s website.

    “We are excited to support the research, testing and work of our grant awardees that expands options for safe and effective ways to manage pests,” said DPR Director Julie Henderson. “Pest management is critical to protect people and our environment, to support our infrastructure, and to provide a healthy and sustainable food supply. The innovation reflected in our Research and Alliance Grant Awards is key to combating — in safe, sustainable ways — the mounting pest pressures driven by our changing climate. ”

    Both grant programs sought applications that addressed more than one of the Sustainable Pest Management Roadmap’s defined sustainability pillars, including human health and social equity, environmental protections and economic vitality, or one or more of the following topic areas:

    • Advancing IPM for underserved or disadvantaged communities.
    • Decreasing the use of high-risk/high-volume pesticides (such as fumigants like 1,3-dichloropropene or sulfuryl fluoride).
    • Advancing urban IPM and safer, more sustainable pest management tools and strategies in urban settings.
    • Advancing IPM and safer, more sustainable pest management tools and strategies in agricultural settings, particularly in settings adjacent to or near schools.
    • Meeting the IPM needs of small growers.

    Research Grants Program recipients:

    • Developing pest resistant plant breeds to reduce fumigant use: $460,663

    Dr. Shahid Siddique, Associate Professor of Entomology and Nematology at University of California, Davis, will investigate a plant gene for its ability to help tomato plants resist infection by nematodes. Dr. Siddique’s efforts are intended to reduce the need for soil fumigation to control these destructive parasites.

    • Developing drone software for releasing beneficial biocontrol organisms: $252,771

    Dr. M. Khalid Jawed, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at University of California , Los Angeles, will design and test software capable of flying drones in high tunnels used for crop production. Dr. Jawed’s team will then test the use of these drones for dispersing biocontrol organisms, which may offer a safer, cost-effective alternative to the use of pesticides in these spaces.

    • Identifying resistant Botrytis and exploring alternatives for pest management in greenhouses: $256,093

    Dr. Johanna Del Castillo Múnera, Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension at University of California, Davis, will test samples of Botryritis spp. recovered from greenhouses for resistance to commonly used pesticides. Dr. Del Castillo Múnera’s project will then evaluate a variety of safer, more sustainable pest management options for Botrytis management, including biocontrol organisms.

    • Using agricultural plant waste to combat soilborne pests: $353,491

    Dr. Christopher Simmons, Department Chair and Professor of Food Science and Technology at University of California, Davis, will evaluate the use of postharvest “waste” material from California agricultural production, including grape pomace and almond hulls, for their use in biosolarization of agricultural fields. Biosolarization takes soil that has been combined with organic matter and uses sunlight to heat the soil and maintain it at a temperature that kills pathogens. These underutilized materials may offer a low-cost input that could assist in reducing the use of soil fumigation to combat a variety of soilborne pests and pathogens.

    • Exploring walnut materials’ impact on nematode management: $401,090

    Dr. Andreas Westphal, Professor of Cooperative Extension in Nematology at University of California, Riverside, will test the use of compounds found in walnuts and walnut hulls for their ability to combat soil nematodes that cause significant damage in California orchards, particularly during early growth stages. Dr. Westphal’s project will ideally reduce the need for soil fumigation, especially during pre-planting, for California nut production.

    Alliance Grants Program recipients:

    • Integrating IPM into Medi-Cal: $283,183

    Anne Lamb, Director of Regional Asthma Management & Prevention, a Project of the Public Health Institute, will educate Medi-Cal Asthma Remediation (AR) providers about IPM. This will ensure that when pests are identified through AR in the homes of low-income Californians, these pests are addressed through IPM practices.

    • Minimizing rodenticides through detection and monitoring: $491,549

    Luis Agurto, Chief Executive Officer of Pestec, will deploy a network of sensors and create a digital application that will organize, store and share data related to rodent pest management, particularly regarding the implementation and efficacy of alternatives to rodenticides. These data will ideally encourage and accelerate the adoption of these alternatives.

    • Developing an IPM program in Vista: $167,203

    Yale Jeffery, Public Works Supervisor at the City of Vista, will develop an IPM program for the city that is focused on more sustainable weed management. Jeffery’s project will ideally serve as a model for other urban areas seeking to eliminate or reduce herbicide use.

    El DPR otorga $2.6 millones en fondos de subvención para acelerar la adopción de un manejo de plagas seguro, efectivo y sostenible en California

    La financiación apoyará cinco proyectos de investigación y tres proyectos de divulgación para promover la adopción del manejo integrado de plagas (IPM) en la agricultura y en entornos urbanos 

    SACRAMENTO – El Departamento de Reglamentación de Pesticidas (DPR) de California anunció hoy fondos de subvención de $2.6 millones otorgados a ocho proyectos que promueven la adopción de un manejo de plagas más seguro y sostenible.

    El departamento otorgó $1.72 millones en subvenciones de investigación para financiar proyectos que promuevan el conocimiento, las herramientas y las prácticas de manejo integrado de plagas (IPM). El DPR otorgó además $942,000 en subvenciones de la Alianza para financiar proyectos que promuevan o aumenten el manejo sostenible de plagas a través de la implementación, expansión y adopción de sistemas o prácticas de IPM efectivos, probados y asequibles.

    En los últimos 20 años, el DPR ha otorgado más de $26 millones para más de 100 proyectos que promueven el uso de IPM. Los proyectos de subvenciones de investigación y de la Alianza financiados anteriormente están disponibles en el sitio web del DPR.

    “Nos entusiasma apoyar la investigación, las pruebas y el trabajo de nuestros beneficiarios de subvenciones que amplían las opciones de formas seguras y efectivas de manejar las plagas”, dijo la directora del DPR, Julie Henderson. “El manejo de plagas es fundamental para proteger a las personas y nuestro medio ambiente, para apoyar nuestra infraestructura y para proporcionar un suministro de alimentos saludable y sostenible. La innovación reflejada en las subvenciones otorgadas de investigación y de la Alianza es clave para combatir, de manera segura y sostenible, las crecientes presiones de plagas impulsadas por nuestro clima cambiante”.

    Ambos programas de subvenciones buscaron aplicaciones que abordaran más de uno de los pilares de sostenibilidad definidos por la Hoja de Ruta para el Manejo Sustentable de Plagas, incluida la salud humana y la equidad social, la protección ambiental y la vitalidad económica, o una o más de las siguientes áreas temáticas:

    • Ampliación del IPM para comunidades desatendidas o desfavorecidas
    • Disminución del uso de pesticidas de alto riesgo / alto volumen (como fumigantes como 1,3-dicloropropeno o fluoruro de sulfurilo)
    • Progreso del IPM urbano y de las herramientas y estrategias de gestión de plagas más seguras y sostenibles en entornos urbanos
    • Progreso del IMP y de las herramientas y estrategias de gestión de plagas más seguras y sostenibles en entornos agrícolas, particularmente en entornos adyacentes o cercanos a las escuelas
    • Satisfacción de las necesidades del IPM de los pequeños productores

    Beneficiarios del Programa de Subvenciones de Investigación:

    • Desarrollo de variedades de plantas resistentes a las plagas para reducir el uso de fumigantes: $460,663

    El Dr. Shahid Siddique, profesor asociado de Entomología y Nematología en la Universidad de California, Davis, investigará un gen vegetal por su capacidad para ayudar a las plantas de tomate a resistir la infección por nematodos. Los esfuerzos del Dr. Siddique están destinados a reducir la necesidad de fumigación del suelo para controlar estos parásitos destructivos.

    • Desarrollo de software de drones para liberar organismos de biocontrol beneficiosos: $252,771

    El Dr. M. Khalid Jawed, profesor asociado de Ingeniería Mecánica y Aeroespacial en la Universidad de California, Los Ángeles, diseñará y probará software capaz de volar drones en túneles altos usados para la producción de cultivos. El equipo del Dr. Jawed probará el uso de estos drones para dispersar organismos de biocontrol, lo que puede ofrecer una alternativa más segura y asequible al uso de pesticidas en estos espacios.

    • Identificación de Botrytis resistentes y exploración de alternativas para el manejo de plagas en invernaderos: $256,093

    La Dra. Johanna Del Castillo Múnera, profesora asistente de Extensión Cooperativa en la Universidad de California, Davis, analizará muestras de Botryritis spp recuperadas de invernaderos para determinar su resistencia a los pesticidas de uso común. El proyecto de la Dra. Del Castillo Múnera evaluará una variedad de opciones de manejo de plagas más seguras y sostenibles para el manejo de Botrytis, incluidos los organismos de biocontrol.

    • Uso de desechos de plantas agrícolas para combatir plagas transmitidas por el suelo: $353,491

    El Dr. Christopher Simmons, profesor de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos y presidente del Departamento en la Universidad de California, Davis, evaluará el uso de material de desecho poscosecha de la producción agrícola de California, incluido el hollejo de uva y las cáscaras de almendra, para su uso en la biosolarización de campos agrícolas. La biosolarización toma el suelo que se ha combinado con la materia orgánica y usa la luz solar para calentar el suelo y mantenerlo a una temperatura que mata a los patógenos. Estos materiales infrautilizados pueden ofrecer un insumo de bajo costo que podría ayudar a reducir el uso de la fumigación del suelo para combatir una variedad de plagas y patógenos transmitidos por el suelo.

    • Exploración del impacto de materiales de nuez en el manejo de nematodos: $401,090

    El Dr. Andreas Westphal, profesor de Extensión Cooperativa en Nematología en la Universidad de California, Riverside, probará el uso de compuestos que se encuentran en nueces y cáscaras de nueces por su capacidad para combatir los nematodos del suelo que causan daños significativos en los huertos de California, particularmente durante las primeras etapas de crecimiento. El proyecto del Dr. Westphal reducirá idealmente la necesidad de fumigación del suelo, especialmente durante la etapa previa a la siembra, para la producción de nueces de California.

    Beneficiarios del Programa de Subvenciones de la Alianza:

    • Integración del IPM en Medi-Cal: $283,183

    Anne Lamb, directora de Manejo y Prevención Regional del Asma, un proyecto del Instituto de Salud Pública, educará a los proveedores de Remediación del Asma (AR) de Medi-Cal sobre el IPM. Esto asegurará que, cuando se identifiquen plagas a través de AR en los hogares de californianos de bajos ingresos, estas plagas se aborden a través de prácticas del IPM.

    • Minimización de rodenticidas a través de detección y monitoreo: $491,549

    Luis Agurto, director ejecutivo de Pestec, desplegará una red de sensores y creará una aplicación digital que organizará, almacenará y compartirá datos relacionados con el manejo de plagas de roedores, particularmente en lo que respecta a la implementación y eficacia de alternativas a los rodenticidas. Idealmente, estos datos fomentarán y acelerarán la adopción de estas alternativas.

    • Desarrollo de un programa del IPM en Vista: $167,203

    Yale Jeffery, supervisor de Obras Públicas de la ciudad de Vista, desarrollará un programa de IPM para la ciudad que se centra en un manejo más sostenible de las malezas. El proyecto de Jeffery servirá idealmente como modelo para otras áreas urbanas que buscan eliminar o reducir el uso de herbicidas.

  • DPR Seeks Comments on Modifications to Reg on Statewide Pesticide Application Notification System

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has released modifications to its proposed pesticide application notification regulation. Once in effect, the regulation will support the statewide implementation of a first-of-its-kind system to provide advance information on the planned applications of restricted material pesticides used in agriculture. Restricted materials are a highly regulated category of pesticides that have greater potential than other pesticides to cause harm to people, animals, the environment, or other crops. They require a county-issued permit for use and carry significant restrictions on how and where they can be used and who can use them.

    The department is seeking public comment on the proposed modifications to the regulation through a 30-day public comment period and three public hearings scheduled on July 12, 15 and 23.

    Following the close of the current public comment period, DPR will finalize the regulation and system design in preparation for statewide implementation of the pesticide application notification system in the first quarter of 2025.

    The department initially proposed the regulation on Nov. 3, 2023. The proposed regulation would support the statewide implementation of a notification system by requiring electronic submission of select information from Notices of Intent (NOIs) for permitted applications to DPR and requiring DPR to make the information it receives publicly available. NOIs are required before a permitted application of a restricted material pesticide. DPR will be required to provide information 48 hours prior to the intended start of a soil fumigation and 24 hours prior to the intended start of all other restricted material applications requiring a permit. NOIs, which are part of the state’s restricted material permitting process, are currently submitted to and must be approved by the local county agricultural commissioner before a restricted material pesticide can be used.

    DPR will submit the final regulation to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) for final review and approval.

    Additional details and the proposed revised regulation can be viewed on DPR’s website.

    Public Comment Opportunities on Proposed Modifications to the Regulation

    The department is holding a 30-day public comment period July 2 through Aug. 1 and three regulatory hearings on July 12, July 15 and July 23.

    The hearings and public comment period are to collect input on the proposed modifications to the notification regulation. The modifications were made after the initial public comment period, which was open for 70 days starting in November 2023 and included three regulatory hearings. Those proposed changes include:

    • The requirement for DPR to re-evaluate and review the system, including annually receive feedback from and provide a status update to the department’s Environmental Justice Advisory Committee, the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s State Board and the public until DPR issues a comprehensive report on the system three years after the regulation becomes effective.
    • Clarifying the restricted material pesticides that are subject to the 24- and 48-hours reporting requirements.
    • Clarifying that DPR will make publicly available pesticide product name(s) and active ingredient(s).
    • Clarifying the effective date for the implementation of the system.

    A pre-hearing presentation on the regulation and proposed modifications and an overview and demonstration of the system design will begin at 6 p.m. prior to the start of each of the formal regulatory hearings and public comments. The formal regulatory hearings and public comments will begin at 6:30 p.m.

    All hearings will be conducted in English with Spanish interpretation provided. Information on accommodations, including requesting interpretation in additional languages, can be viewed within the regulatory notice, available on DPR’s website.

    Stanislaus County Hearing

    • Date: July 12, 2024
    • Time: 6 p.m. presentation, 6:30-8:30 p.m. regulatory hearing
    • Location: Carnegie Arts Center: 250 N Broadway, Turlock

    Virtual Hearing*

    • Date: July 15, 2024
    • Time: 6 p.m. presentation, 6:30-8:30 p.m. regulatory hearing
    • Location: Zoom (virtual) hearing. You can login using this link prior to the start of the hearing. You will be prompted to enter an email address to join. This is a Zoom requirement.*
    • Link to join the meeting
    • View Only: The hearing will also be accessible via public webcast for persons who would like to watch this hearing without participating. Access the public webcast

    *If you are interested in hosting a hearing group with multiple people using one Zoom login, please email randi.jimenez@cdpr.ca.gov so we know that the login will represent multiple speakers and DPR can better capture feedback from all individuals in the group.

    Kern County Hearing

    • Date: July 23, 2024
    • Time: 6 p.m. presentation, 6:30-8:30 p.m. regulatory hearing
    • Location: Shafter Youth Center: 455 E Euclid Ave, Shafter, CA 93263

    DPR is accepting written comments, which can be submitted online through the department’s public comment portal, by mail, or provided by email to dpr23003@cdpr.ca.gov, between July 2 through Aug. 1.

    Background on Development of the Notification System

    DPR began development of the statewide pesticide application notification system in 2021 with funding from the state budget to provide the public with advance information about pesticide applications. The department conducted a series of public webinars and workshops between 2021 and 2023 to collect feedback to inform the design and development of the system. In 2022, county agricultural commissioners in Riverside, Santa Cruz, Stanislaus and Ventura counties volunteered to partner with DPR to conduct local pilot projects to further inform the development of the statewide pesticide application notification system. In addition, between October 2023 and February 2024, DPR conducted a small group beta test of the proposed statewide notification system in Tulare County. A video demonstration of the system that was beta tested in Tulare County, called ”SprayDays California,” is available on the department’s YouTube channel.

    Feedback and input received from the public since 2021 informed many elements of the statewide notification system design, including:

    • Information on the pesticide application (available through the state’s existing restricted material permitting process), including:
      • Product name and chemical ingredient
      • Direct link to the product label
      • Intended application method
      • Intended date and time period the application may occur
      • Scale of the application, and
      • Context and information on how pesticides are regulated and evaluated in California to protect people and the environment, including specifically how restricted material pesticides are regulated.
    • An anonymous search function that allows users to search for pesticide application information without providing personal information.
    • A subscription function that allows users to receive email and text message “notifications” when an application is planned near a specific address; users may sign up to receive this information for multiple addresses.
    • Information provided in Spanish and English.
    • A public website and visual mapping tool that is easy to use on mobile devices.
    • User-centered design with graphic and visual content.
    • Information on community health and resources for finding more information on pesticide safety and health impacts from pesticide exposure including the phone number for the National Pesticide Information Center, which provides information on potential health impacts from pesticide exposure.

    The system will indicate the location of the pesticide application within a 1-square-mile area using the standardized Public Land Survey System data. The 1-square-mile Public Land Survey System location is the only location information used consistently in the restricted material permitting process across all California counties.

  • Managing Aphids in California Prune Orchards

    By Sudan Gyawaly, UCCE Northern Sacramento Valley IPM Advisor — ‘Leaf curl plum aphid’ and ‘mealy plum aphid’ are the key pests of prune orchards in the northern Sacramento Valley. Both aphid species survive the winter in the orchard at egg stage near the base of buds. Once hatched, around bloom time, they vigorously feed on the young foliage and build up their population quickly. From May (leaf curl plum aphid) and June/July (mealy plum aphid), most aphids leave the prune trees and feed on alternate weed hosts outside the orchard.

    Mealy plum aphid

    Both aphid species infest growing leaves and stems in spring and summer, which can cause curling and stunting of the leaves. Serious aphid infestation can reduce tree growth, vigor, and potentially reduce fruit sugar content. Accumulation of honeydew, which these aphids excrete while feeding, results in the development of sooty mold which can potentially lead to fruit cracking.

    Damage caused by plum leaf curl aphid, Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM

    Determining the need to spray for aphids and optimum spray timing.

    The decision to spray for aphids depends on the past and present orchard aphid pressure, which also helps determine the optimum spray timing. Also, the need to spray for other prune pests (such as scale or peach twig borer) can influence the selection of materials and application timings for aphids. Several pesticide options are available for aphid control for different application timings (see table, below). An effective aphid management program should always weigh the relative cost, efficacy, and impacts on natural enemies and surface water quality.

    If aphids are a consistent problem in an orchard, a late fall/early dormancy (Nov-early Dec) spray with a low label rate of a pyrethroid insecticide provides good control of aphids. Low label rates of these insecticides applied at this time are effective, yet the risk of surface water runoff is reduced. Oil spray during this period can seriously impact parasites (natural enemies) and is not recommended, especially if leaves are still on trees.

    Dormant sprays (late Dec-Jan) of pyrethroid or pyrethroid plus oil treatments are effective against aphids and other pests, such as scale and PTB. However, this application timing poses higher risks of surface water contamination.

    If a fall/dormant spray is not applied, dormant spur sampling can help decide the need for aphid sprays at bloom. Dormant spur sampling for aphids involves sampling for aphid eggs, and the treatment threshold for aphids is just 1 egg out of 100 spurs. However, aphid eggs can be hard to find on dormant spurs, and not finding eggs on spurs doesn’t mean none are present. Therefore, a spring/summer monitoring is necessary to complement the dormant spur sampling if no eggs were found on dormant spurs. Bloom time sprays of narrow-range oil are effective against aphids.

    If aphids are only an occasional problem in the orchard and sprays were not applied at fall/dormant or bloom time, the need to spray for aphids is based on spring/summer monitoring. Spring/summer aphid monitoring involves weekly monitoring (from petal fall until a treatment is applied or July 15) of 40 trees/block for aphid infestation and determining if those trees have significant (aphid covering >10% of tree leaf surface) aphid infestations. Treatment is warranted if a threshold (12 out of 40 trees monitored in a block) have significant aphid infestation. Click this link for details on spring/summer monitoring.

    The table below (adopted from Franz Niederholzer) provides a good summary of various prune aphid control materials, their application timings, efficacy against key prune pest and risks to water quality.

    Label is the law. Always read the label of the product being used.

    Disclaimer: Products listed in this table do not constitute a recommendation, and many of the active ingredients presented in this article can be purchased under multiple trade names.

  • Victoria Hornbaker Moves from Director of Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Division to Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division (CPDPD) has announced that as of May 14, 2024, Victoria Hornbaker, former director of the CPDPD, will transition to her new role as the director of the CDFA’s Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services (PHPPS) Division. David Gutierrez, branch chief of the CPDPD, will serve as interim director while a recruitment process is conducted to find a permanent hire for the role.

    During her tenure, Victoria played a pivotal role in the development of the CPDPD, which was officially declared a division of CDFA in 2019. For the past 11 years, Victoria has led efforts to develop and execute innovative strategies to manage various citrus pest and disease threats, including the Asian citrus psyllid and Huanglongbing.

    With Victoria’s transition to her new position as director of the PHPPS Division, David Gutierrez has been appointed as the interim director of the CPDPD, bringing his experience of serving as branch chief to the role, and will maintain the CPDPD’s various operations and activities during this transitional period.

    CDFA will be recruiting for a permanent director to lead the CPDPD in the coming months. For any questions regarding the CPDPD or this transition, please email cdfa.cpdpd@cdfa.ca.gov.

  • What Nut Growers Can Do to Combat the New Carpophilus Pest

    It seems we are always on the verge of some type of apocalypse, and with the new carpophilus beetle invading California tree nut orchards, there is cause for concern.  Watch this brief California Ag Network interview with UC Riverside CE Entomology Specialist Houston Wilson to learn more about this pest and how to stop it from damaging your crops.

  • Rising Fruit Fly Populations Concern California Growers

    Fruit fly populations spiked last season and brought multiple species, compounding the damage to vineyards and orchards following Hurricane Hilary.  This is a continued concern for California fruit growers moving into the 2024 season with limited pest management tools available. Watch this brief California Ag Network interview with Adam Borchard from the California Fresh Fruit Association to learn more.

  • HLB Funding Prioritized in Farm Bill Proposal

    California Citrus Mutual (CCM) commends Chairwoman Stabenow of the Senate Agriculture Committee and Chairman Glenn Thompson from the House Agriculture Committee for prioritizing the citrus industry’s fight against Huanglongbing (HLB) in each of their frameworks for the 2024 Farm Bill. Each Chair’s framework continues support of the Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program at $25 million per year for the life of the Farm Bill.

    “This is a significant step towards reaching a bipartisan Farm Bill compromise that will continue critical research to find a cure to Huanglongbing,” said CCM President/CEO Casey Creamer.  “While this isn’t the finish line, it clearly signals that Congress supports maintaining citrus funding.  We thank the Chairs of the Committee and our California Congressional delegation for championing our needs.”

    The $25 million in funding will go to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to fund research to find a cure for HLB. The funding is overseen by grower representatives from California, Texas, and Florida.

    This is a big win for the citrus industry as there were significant headwinds with the current fiscal battles in Washington, D.C., including escalating Farm Bill baseline expenditures and competing priorities within agriculture.  It proves the strength of the advocacy partnership with Florida and Texas Citrus Mutuals in addition to the strong support received from allied industry organizations.

    About California Citrus Mutual (CCM)

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

  • USDA to Protect Hundreds of Crops from Invasive Fruit Flies

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has released “Fruit Fly Exclusion and Detection Program Fiscal Years 2024-2028 Strategy.” APHIS worked with members of the National Plant Board to develop a unified roadmap for USDA and its partners to protect American agriculture from the threat of invasive fruit flies and measure our progress along the way.

    “The United States is experiencing an unusually high number of invasive fruit fly detections – the worst of its kind in 70 years,” said Mark Davidson, USDA APHIS Deputy Administrator for the Plant Protection and Quarantine program. “Invasive fruit flies are a nuisance that drive up costs of producing fresh fruits and vegetables, which can hurt both producers and consumers. Our five-year plan lays out how Federal and State partners can continue to limit the flies’ spread as we further scientific research that will help us develop better pest management tools and options.”

    The five-year strategy prioritizes strengthening the following goals for fruit flies of regulatory significance:

    • Domestic surveillance to support early detection.
    • Management and emergency response to ensure timely mitigation.
    • Targeted and effective sterile insect technique for preventive release and eradication programs (assuring rearing facilities are maintained for efficiency and safety).
    • International and import efforts to mitigate against the introduction and spread of invasive fruit flies in the United States.

    To address the unprecedented outbreaks of exotic fruit flies, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently released $103.5 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to fund APHIS’ supplementary emergency response activities. These funds allow APHIS to reach beyond what the agency’s appropriated funding would be able to accomplish over the next few years.

    Currently, there are exotic fruit fly quarantines in eight counties in California and five counties in New York. The California Department of Food and Agriculture and APHIS have established parallel quarantines and are working with the State’s agricultural commissioners to eradicate and prevent the statewide spread of the Queensland fruit fly, Tau fruit fly, Mediterranean fruit fly, and Oriental fruit fly in California. APHIS is also working with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to manage the European cherry fruit fly in upstate New York.

    Invasive fruit flies feed on over 400 crops, including citrus and other fruits, nuts, vegetables, and berries. Fruit flies can damage fruits and vegetables when they lay their eggs under the skin of the produce. There, developing larvae make the fruits and vegetables unfit for human consumption. Infested produce may not look damaged from the outside but may take on a brown, mottled appearance as the larvae feed from the inside. Resources to combat invasive fruit fly threats are limited, so developing an efficient strategy to manage or eradicate invasive fruit flies is critical.

    To reduce the spread, APHIS and affected states will work together to reduce, and to the extent possible, prevent human-assisted movement. Together, we will also promote public reporting to encourage early detection, and we will leverage the latest research and management tools available. The 5-Year Strategy drives Federal and State responders to explore new population suppression technologies, such as male annihilation technique, mass trapping, and the development of new and/or improved sterile fruit fly strains. Integrating these new technologies into the inter-agency response to invasive fruit flies will help improve the program’s efficiency.

    The new strategy also builds the capacity to combat invasive fruit flies in areas at high risk of introduction and will leverage the public’s assistance to prevent further spread of these damaging agricultural pests.

    Federal and State partners will also unite their research resources and share knowledge about fruit flies to limit their movement and distribution. While leveraging best practices in the field, State and Federal partners will prioritize more research on climate and host-plant suitability, as well as other effective management tools.

    Federal and state fruit fly quarantines do not extend into Tribal lands, but the invasive fruit flies could impact Tribal communities near the quarantine areas. APHIS consulted with Tribes on the five-year strategy in August 2023 and will continue to engage Tribes and solicit feedback on the fruit fly management and outreach strategy.