Citrus thrips have been a major nuisance for California blueberry growers, but how do you keep them under control and when should you apply crop protection materials? Is there an organic treatment available? Watch this brief interview UC Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor David Haviland as he answers all these questions. Read more about blueberry pest management in California Fresh Fruit Magazine.
Insects are much easier to manage when they start off the season in similar stages of development. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, especially when you start off the season with inconsistent weather patterns. Watch this brief interview with UCCE Entomologist out of Kern County, David Haviland, as he explains this with regard to mealybugs.
With the threat of the deadly Huanglongbing citrus greening disease coming to the state, California citrus growers are doing all they can to keep the disease vector asian citrus psyllid out of their orchards; however, these treatments are also taking out natural enemies for red scale, causing a resurgence of the pest in California orchards. Watch this brief video as researcher David Holden explains, and read more about it in California Fresh Fruit Magazine.
EASTON, CA – On April 12, 2019, a coalition of agricultural organizations will hold two Heat Illness Prevention Sessions in Easton, California. Manuel Cunha, Jr., President of Nisei Farmers League said, “we appreciate the staff and the efforts of the Department of Industrial Relations, Cal/OSHA Consultation with their presentation of the safety message: WATER, REST, SHADE.”
Cunha continued, “the efforts by all our agricultural partners, as well as Cal/OSHA is to educate employers and supervisors about the dangers of working in the heat. We have held many educational sessions, sent out publications, had media events and continue to have ongoing outreach efforts throughout the State. Education is the key to reducing the number of heat illnesses that we see in our fields.”
Attend one of the sessions on April 12, 2019 for the latest documents outlining high heat procedures, including additional steps to be taken to ensure our employees safety.
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Date: Friday, April 12, 2019
Time: Session One in Spanish 10:00 a.m. to noon
Session Two in English 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Place: C.P.D.E.S. Portuguese Hall, 172 W Jefferson Avenue, Easton
There is no cost for attending these training sessions.
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We want to thank our agricultural partners listed below:
Nisei Farmers League Fresno County Farm Bureau
Allied Grape Growers California Fresh Fruit Assn
African America Farmers of Calif American Pistachio Growers
California Apple Commission California Blueberry Commission
California Olive Growers Council Sun-Maid Growers of California
The Almond Board of California recently approved funding of $1 million dollars of a Navel Orangeworm Sterile Insect Technique research project. This is the single largest production research project ever funded by the Almond Board.
The Almond Board of California (ABC) has been funding Navel Orangeworm (NOW) research for over twenty years and has made great progress in determining various production practices growers can implement for NOW control, including mating disruption and winter sanitation. While these practices have proven effective, this pest problem is still growing in some regions. Through the funding of this project the Almond Board is ramping up efforts in finding solutions by exploring all possible options for NOW control and providing growers with additional tools to combat this pest. 
“We’ve been funding Navel Orangeworm research since 1973 – that’s nearly half a century of scientific findings focused on one pest and its impacts,” said Richard Waycott, Almond Board of California President and CEO. “Putting $1 million of growers’ dollars towards Navel Orangeworm research demonstrates our seriousness in combating this pest. We want to explore all available options to find effective controls for NOW.”
The concept around the sterile insect technique (SIT) is simple: Researchers use radiation to sterilize male insects and then release them into the orchard when the first generation of mating occurs. While the physical aspect of mating still takes place, the female is not fertilized, resulting in an unproductive mating process and, overtime, reducing the NOW population.
However, using SIT to reduce the NOW population in almonds alone would only bring short-term success; controlling NOW requires solutions that work beyond almonds. Even if NOW damage is reduced on an annual basis in almonds, the pest will still be flying to other crops, such as pistachios and walnuts, and replenishing its population there. Therefore, the Almond Board’s big-picture approach to NOW control involves a collaborative effort with other nut industries. By working together, each industry will be able to establish new options for pest management that can be applied across the various crops.
“Together, the California almond industry and other crops will test the viability of the sterile insect technique to determine how this control method will work across the various commodities,” said Josette Lewis, director of Agricultural Affairs at the Almond Board.
Federal funds may also be available to support SIT research and the facilities where the sterile insects will be raised prior to being released and tested in almond and pistachio orchards. Almonds growers and other industry members who want to learn about the process to obtain federal funding for this project can contact Elaine Trevino (etrevino@almondalliance.org) at the Almond Alliance for more information.
“The Almond Board has spent decades researching NOW to better understand how growers can combat this pest and better protect their crop, and through that research we’ve had great findings,” said Lewis. “Still, there’s more work to be done and the Almond Board looks forward to partnering with researchers, the almond industry and the broader ag community in exploring this sterile insect opportunity for NOW control.”
Those interested to learn more about the SIT project, as well as the almond industry’s research in NOW and its effects, should attend the Almond Board of California’s NOW Summit on June 18 at the Modesto Junior College Agricultural Pavilion. During this event nut growers, PCAs and others involved in California agriculture can gather to learn more about ABC’s current NOW research, what problems remain and what potential solutions lie on the horizon. Speakers and the agenda are still being finalized, but one of the items that will be discussed is the NOW SIT project. Visit Almonds.com/Events for more information about the summit.
California Almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research, and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 6,800 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit Almonds.com or check out California Almonds on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and the California Almonds blog.
Nematodes are are pests of a host of crops, but what are the options for controlling them in vineyards? Watch this brief video interview with UC Cooperative Extension Viticulture Advisor Karl Lund as he shares both pre and post-planting options for managing nematodes. Some of these options are even compatible for organic growers, so check it out, and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.
The USDA has declared April to be “Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month,” during a critical time of year when damaging invasive species emerge and can be easily spread in outdoor items that people pack and move, such as grills, gardening equipment, wading pools, bicycles, and patio furniture.
Invasive species are a series problem. They attack trees, plants and agriculture, costing the United States about $40 billion each year. Household moves increase the risk for the spread of these invasive species, since people can potentially transport them to new areas.
CDFA partners with the USDA to prevent and eradicate invasive species in California. The agencies have a long history of working together on programs like Asian citrus psyllid/huanglongbing, the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, and the European Grapevine Moth.
About 35 million Americans move every year, bringing a high possibility of transporting invasive pests. For instance, federal and state inspectors often find gypsy moth egg masses on outdoor household items and recreational vehicles in non-infested areas. The USDA is offering a free checklist for household moves that includes suggestions and tips for reducing this risk.
Click here for more information about CDFA’s invasive species programs.
Click here for more information about the USDA’s Hungry Pests outreach program.
There are TWO upcoming weed science extension days in the San Joaquin Valley this April.
The first will be held on the 2nd of April at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier (9240 South Riverbend Road, Parlier CA 93648) and the second will be held on April 11th at the Westside Research and Extension Center in Five Points (17353 West Oakland Avenue, Five Points, CA 93624).
The meeting at the Kearney Center will focus on rangeland, turf, and tree and vine systems while the meeting at the Westside Center will focus on agronomic crops, ROWs, and tree and vine systems. Both meetings will open with hands-on weed ID and nozzle selection/drift management training.
The Kearney meeting has been approved for 3.5 CDPR continuing education credits (other); an application for 3.5 credits is currently pending for the Five Points meeting.
Both meetings are free to attend although we do request that you register by calling the UCCE Merced County office at 209-385-7403 to reserve your spot. Agendas are listed below (pdf flyers are also attached).
Our programs are open to all potential participants. If you require special accommodations, please contact the UCCE Merced County office at 209-385-7403. Thank you and we hope to see you at the meeting!
San Joaquin Valley Weed Science Day at the KARE
Tuesday, April 2 2019, 8:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center
9240 South Riverbend Road, Parlier CA 93648
8:00 a.m. Registration and Welcome (Refreshments provided)
8:30 a.m. Concurrent Sessions (attendees will be split into two groups and will rotate between the weed ID and spray drift demonstrations at 45-minute intervals)
Session 1: Identification of Common Weeds of Agricultural Cropping Systems and Non-Crop areas of the Southern San Joaquin Valley.
Anil Shrestha, Chair: Department of Viticulture & Enology and Professor: Weed Science, CSU Fresno
Session 2: Nozzle Selection and Proper Use and Spray Drift Management
James Schaeffer, Staff Research Associate, UCCE – Fresno County
10:00 a.m. Break (Refreshments provided)
10:15 a.m. Post-Emergence Herbicides for Use in Orchards
Kurt Hembree, Weed Science Advisor, UCCE – Fresno County
10:45 a.m. Turfgrass Weeds in the Central Valley
Maggie Reiter, Environmental Horticulture Advisor, UCCE – Fresno, Madera, Tulare and Kings Counties
11:15 a.m. Post-fire Rangeland Weed Management: A Critical Component of Land Stewardship
Rebecca Ozeran, Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor, UCCE – Fresno and Madera Counties
11:45 a.m. Glyphosate for Weed Control: How it Works, Why it Fails, and What we can do to Maximize Efficacy
Lynn Sosnoskie, Agronomy and Weed Science Advisor, UCCE – Merced and Madera Counties
12:15 p.m. Adjourn
San Joaquin Valley Weed Science Day at the WSREC
Thursday, April 11, 2019, 8:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Westside Research and Extension Center
17353 West Oakland Avenue, Five Points, CA 93624
8:00 a.m. Registration and Welcome (Refreshments provided)
8:30 a.m. Concurrent Sessions (attendees will be split into two groups and will rotate between the weed ID and spray drift demonstrations at 45-minute intervals)
Session 1: Identification of Common Weeds of Agricultural Cropping Systems and Non-Crop areas of the Southern San Joaquin Valley.
Anil Shrestha, Chair: Department of Viticulture & Enology and Professor: Weed Science, CSU Fresno
Session 2: Nozzle Selection and Proper Use and Spray Drift Management
James Schaeffer, Staff Research Associate, UCCE – Fresno County
10:00 a.m. Break (Refreshments provided)
10:15 a.m. The Biology and Management of Alkaliweed
Kurt Hembree, Weed Science Advisor, UCCE – Fresno County
10:45 a.m. Managing tough weeds in the right-of-way (ROW), landscape and other non-crop sites
Rick Miller, Corteva Agrisciences
11:15 a.m. Pre- and Post-Herbicide Performance on Threespike Goosegrass in Tree Nut Orchards
Drew Wolter, UC Davis
11:45 a.m. Breaking Bindweed: What Controls the Species and What Doesn’t Work
Lynn Sosnoskie, Agronomy and Weed Science Advisor, UCCE – Merced and Madera Counties
12:15 p.m. Adjourn
Biocontrol agents, beneficial microbes, entomopathogenic fungi and bacteria that can enhance crop production — these were all topics of discussion at the recent UC Cooperative Extension Ag Innovations Conference in Santa Maria, led by UCCE Entomology & Biologicals Advisor Surendra Dara. Watch this brief interview with Surendra as he shares more about what was discussed.
Each year roughly 48 million people get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from
foodborne illnesses according to the CDC. As our food supply becomes progressively more
globalized, the need to strengthen food safety systems in and between countries has become
much more apparent.
Legislation like the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) now enables the Food & Drug
Administration (FDA) to better protect consumers by strengthening food safety systems for
foodborne illnesses, which are mostly preventable and are a significant public health burden.
With the creation of FSMA, the FDA has become more proactive towards food safety
prevention. One solution to the ever-growing issue of foodborne illness is the inclusion of a
robust Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP).
According to FDA rule Verification of Implementation and Effectiveness CFR 21 section 117.165
and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Final Rule for Preventive Controls for Human
Food:
A facility who has identified a potential environmental pathogen or indicator organism
as a hazard to ready-to-eat (RTE) foods are required to include an EMP in their food
safety plan. A trained Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) needs to review
EMP test results to ensure that the Food Safety Plan is being followed.
The purpose of an EMP is to identify problem areas where potentially harmful microorganisms
may be harboring, becoming a source of contamination; as well as verifying the effectiveness
of sanitation programs. Several benefits of an EMP include:
There are many routes environmental pathogens and other harmful organisms can be
introduced directly into your facility. Some of these routes are by raw materials, ingredients,
supplies, equipment, and vehicles, as well as personnel, visitors and pests. Two harmful
pathogens to keep track of are Salmonella and Listeria.
Salmonella
Salmonella is a widespread and resilient bacteria that is found in the environment. It can
survive in “dry” manufacturing environments, as well as “wet” manufacturing environments.
Essentially, it is a versatile bacteria that has the potential to causes harm when you
aren’t proactive.
According to the CDC, Salmonella causes around 1 million foodborne illnesses, 19,000
hospitalizations and 380 deaths in the United States annually.
Not only can Salmonella result in foodborne illnesses, but it can also result in a costly recall for
your company. FDA currently considers Salmonella to be the top environmental pathogen of
concern in low moisture foods. Outbreaks and recalls caused by Salmonella have been linked
to raw chicken, ground beef, pre-cut melon, and breakfast cereals. There is also a history of
recalls in tree nuts, nut butter, alfalfa sprouts, cantaloupes, and chicken.
Our article “Salmonella- The Most Common Bacterial Foodborne Disease” goes into detail
about Salmonella and effective ways for you to prevent it in your facility.
Listeria
Listeria bacteria is prevalent in the environment. It is found in soil, water, and
decaying vegetation. There are six types of listeria, but only Listeria
monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is considered harmful to humans.
L. monocytogenes is persistent in and around equipment and the processing
environments in harborage sites. It can survive and grow at refrigerated
temperatures, tolerate high salt concentrations such as a brine tank, and
survive frozen storage for extended periods. Due to these factors, L.
monocytogenes presents a severe food safety concern.
According to CDC, L. monocytogenes causes about 1,600 foodborne illnesses and 260
people deaths in the United States annually. Outbreaks and recalls are regularly linked to
ready-to-eat RTE sliced meats, frozen vegetables, packages salads, dairy products, and
cantaloupes.
To systemically combat these pathogens, a robust Environmental Monitoring Program usually
utilizes zoning concepts. Zones are a useful tool that can help you in site selection within your
facility. The EMP zoning concept divides risks into four zones based on the level of risk to
product contamination with Zone 1 being the highest.
Zone 1 – Direct or indirect Food Contact Surfaces (FCS), i.e. product conveyors, product
chutes, storage hoppers, slicers, worktables and employee hands.
Recommended testing for zone 1 are:
Pathogens need to be tested in special circumstances such as a response to Positive
Salmonella product result.
Zone 2 – Non-FCS that are adjacent to or close to zone 1, i.e., equipment supports, frames,
control panels, weight scales, floor drains and air filters.
Recommended organisms to be tested:
Both of these tests need to be performed weekly.
Zone 3 – Non-FCS within process area but further
removed from product contact surfaces in open
product areas, i.e., forklifts, walls, floors, ceilings,
wash stations and brooms.
Recommended organisms to be tested:
Both of these tests need to be performed weekly.
Zone 4 – Non-FCS outside of the processing areas,
i.e., locker rooms, cafeteria, hallways, trash areas,
wash stations outside of production areas and
loading docks.
Recommended organisms to be tested:
Both of these tests need to be performed weekly.
If you find a positive environmental result in any of the zones, immediately quarantine the
area and put affected product on hold. Next, thoroughly investigated the area both visually
and with microbial testing.
The best way to investigate a positive
environmental result is with vector swabbing.
Vector swabbing determines the extent of the
contamination and to establish potential root
causes of the contamination.
Diagram is courtesy of the PEM Guidance on Environmental
Monitoring, Almond Board of California
Vector swabbing involves sampling of multiple environmental sample sites around the initial positive site in a radial patter. This approach gives you the best possible coverage of
the environment.
What to remember when swabbing:
After you have established your zones and your
proposed action plan in the event of a positive environmental sample, you now need to
samples the intended sites. Various methods can be used for collecting environmental
samples such as sterile swabs and sponges. When collecting these types of samples, the
surface area sampled can vary depending on the target site. An acceptable sampling area for
indicator organisms is 40-200 in 2 and for pathogens is 40-400 in 2 .
If the sampling collection is post sanitizer application, make sure the sterile swab and
sponge has a neutralizing buffer. The neutralizing buffer counteracts cleaners and sanitizers
that have been used- we want to find any surviving bacteria if they are present. Environmental
samples are to be promptly submitted to an accredited Laboratory for testing. Ideally,
environmental samples should be transported <45 o F and processed within 48 hours.
The cost of environmental contamination can be high, so you must ask yourself what risk you
are willing to take? To save yourself a lot of trouble ensure you have an effective and robust
Environmental Monitoring Program!
With one, you can guarantee that you find any potential contamination risk and eliminate it
before any possible cross-contamination of your product occurs. It is important to remember
that commitment is needed throughout the facility, from senior management and cascading
down to the rest of the workforce. Sufficient resources, both in capital and personnel to do an
adequate job are also needed, and while the thought of creating a new EMP may seem like a
daunting task, the outcome is not only beneficial for your facility but also to the consumer.
Safe Food Alliance offers an online course for Environmental Monitoring to help you
understand what Environmental Monitoring is, what the requirements for FSMA are, and other
information to help with creating and understanding your Environmental Monitoring
program.