California Ag Network

Category: Pest/Disease Management

  • Avocado Pest Meeting in Fallbrook, Sept. 28

    Fallbrook, Calif., (September 25, 2017) – The California Avocado Commission is putting on one final grower field day this year, featuring presentations on crop estimating, reading avocado trees and energy efficiency programs for irrigation pumps. Topics include: Crop estimating to help growers better predict their grove’s yield for next year; how to read avocado trees going into winter— tree nutrition, grove maintenance tasks, pest and disease management and other issues; and improving yield while reducing energy and water inputs using compliance software to track water supplies and field Evapotranspiration (ET) demand without having to deploy new hardware devices. The field day will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Pine Tree Ranch Demonstration Grove (19455 E. Telegraph Rd, Santa Paula, CA).

     

  • Advances in Prune Production Meeting, Sept. 26

    Want to learn about the recent advances in prune research and how they impact your prune management practices? Attend the UC Cooperative Extension’s upcoming meeting on Tuesday, September 26th at the Ord Bend Community Hall (3241 CA-45, Glenn, CA) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The meeting will feature UC Davis Plant Pathologist Themis Michailides, who will talk about cytospora canker; UC Davis Plant Pathologist Bob Johnson, who will talk about wood rot fungi; and UCCE Farm Advisor Emeritus Rich Buchner, who will talk about his prune rootstock trial research. The meeting will follow with a Question and Answer session to help growers and PCAs plan to apply research results ahead of the pruning season. Registration is $25 online here or for $35 at the door, and includes lunch.

  • Medfly Infestation Triggers Quarantine In Portion Of Los Angeles County

    Sacramento, Calif., (September 15, 2017) – A quarantine has been declared due to a Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) infestation detected in the Sun Valley neighborhood in northern Los Angeles County.  Two adult males, nine females, and 55 larvae have been detected. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) are working collaboratively on the eradication.

    The 89-square mile quarantine is in the northern San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles County, northwest of the City of Burbank.  It is bordered on the north by the Angeles National Forest; on the south by Griffith Park; on the west by I-405; and on the east by the Verdugo Mountains.  Additional information, and a link to the quarantine map, may be found here: www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/medfly/regulation.html.

    Increased numbers of sterile male Medflies are being released in the area as part of the eradication effort.  In addition, properties within 200 meters of detections are being treated with an organic formulation of Spinosad, which originates from naturally-occurring bacteria, in order to eliminate any mated females and reduce the density of the population. The flies lay their eggs in fruit, so crews will also remove fruit from trees within 100 meters of sites where larvae and multiple adult flies have been found.

    Agricultural officials are working with fruit growers, wholesalers, and retailers in the area to ensure that the infestation does not spread through commercial channels. Local residents and home gardeners in the quarantine zone are urged to consume homegrown produce on site and not move it from their property.  These actions protect against the artificial spread of the infestation to nearby regions where it could affect California’s food supply and backyard gardens.

    The sterile fly release program has a proven track record of eradication in California.  Sterile male flies mate with fertile female flies in the natural environment but produce no offspring.  The fly population decreases as the wild flies reach the end of their natural life span with no offspring to replace them.

    The Medfly targets more than 250 types of fruits and vegetables, which could significantly impact California’s agricultural exports and backyard gardens. Damage occurs when the female lays eggs inside the fruit.  The eggs hatch into maggots and tunnel through the flesh of the fruit, making it unfit for consumption.

    Residents who believe their fruits and vegetables are infested with fruit fly larvae should call the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899.

    While fruit flies and other invasive species that threaten California’s crops and natural environment are sometimes detected in agricultural areas, the vast majority are found in urban and suburban communities.  These invasive species often enter our state by “hitchhiking” in fruits and vegetables brought back illegally by travelers returning from infested regions of the world.  To help protect California’s agriculture and natural resources, CDFA urges travelers to follow the Don’t Pack a Pest program guidelines (www.dontpackapest.com).

     

  • CDFA Announces Vacancy On The Citrus Pest And Disease Prevention Committee

    Sacramento, Calif., (September 12, 2017) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing one vacancy on the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee. The Committee advises the CDFA secretary on activities associated with a statewide work plan that includes outreach and education programs; and programs for surveying, detecting, analyzing, and treating pests and diseases specific to citrus.

    The members receive no compensation, but are entitled to payment of necessary travel expenses in accordance with the rules of the Department of Personnel Administration.

    A committee vacancy exists for a grower representative from the Coastal District and will expire on September 30, 2019. Individuals interested in being considered for a committee appointment should send a brief resume by September 11, 2017 to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services, 1220 N Street, Room 221, Sacramento, California 95814, Attention: Leandro Ramos.

    For additional information, contact: Leandro Ramos, Program Manager at (916) 654-0317, or e-mail (leandro.ramos@cdfa.ca.gov).

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture protects and promotes California’s $47 billion agricultural industry. California’s farmers and ranchers produce a safe, secure supply of food, fiber and shelter; marketed fairly for all Californians; and produced with responsible environmental stewardship.

    For additional information on the California Department of Food and Agriculture please visit our website at www.cdfa.ca.gov.

  • Pesticide Safety Instructor Training Workshops

    Sacramento, Calif., (September 8, 2017) – Participants who complete this training will become qualified to provide pesticide safety training to fieldworkers and pesticide handlers as required by California state regulations. This training is approved and co-funded by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR).

    Cost – $200 per person  

    Please submit one registration form per person. Payment is by credit card only. Includes breakfast, lunch and educational materials. You will receive an automatic email confirmation once you submit payment. No refunds will be given.  Substitutions are available with a fee of $20. Space is limited to 25 people. If the training you wish to attend is full and want to be added to the waiting list, or if you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our team at pesticidesafety@ucanr.edu or 530-750-1252. Registration closes 2 full business days before training date.

    Classes will be from 8:00 am-5:00 pm; Continental Breakfast and check-in start at 7:45 a.m.
    Clase de las 8:00 am a 5:00 pm; Registración y desayuno a las 7:45 am

    • Davis
      October 12, 2017
      UC ANR Offices
      2801 2nd Street
      This class will be conducted inEnglish
    • Santa Maria
      October 25, 2017
      Betteravia Farms/Bonipak
      1850 W. Stowell Rd
      This class will be conducted in English
    • Santa Maria
      26 de octubre 2017
      Betteravia Farms/Bonipak
      1850 W. Stowell Rd
      Esta clase será en Español
    • Bakersfield
      November 15, 2017
      UCCE Bakersfield Center
      1301 S Mt Vernon Ave
      This class will be conducted inEnglish
    • Bakersfield
      16 de noviembre 2017
      UCCE Bakersfield Center
      1301 S Mt Vernon Ave
      Esta clase será en Español
    • Clovis
      November 28, 2017
      DPR Regional Office
      395 W. Spruce Ave , Suite 103
      This class will be conducted in English
    • Clovis
      28 de noviembre 2017
      DPR Regional Office
      395 W. Spruce Ave , Suite 103
      Esta clase será en Español

  • CDFA Announces Vacancy On The Citrus Pest And Disease Prevention Committee

    Sacramento, Calif., (September 7, 2017) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing one vacancy on the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee. The Committee advises the CDFA secretary on activities associated with a statewide work plan that includes outreach and education programs; and programs for surveying, detecting, analyzing, and treating pests and diseases specific to citrus.

    The members receive no compensation, but are entitled to payment of necessary travel expenses in accordance with the rules of the Department of Personnel Administration.

    A committee vacancy exists for a grower representative from the Coastal District and will expire on September 30, 2019. Individuals interested in being considered for a committee appointment should send a brief resume by September 11, 2017 to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services, 1220 N Street, Room 221, Sacramento, California 95814, Attention: Leandro Ramos.

    For additional information, contact: Leandro Ramos, Program Manager at (916) 654-0317, or e-mail (leandro.ramos@cdfa.ca.gov).

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture protects and promotes California’s $47 billion agricultural industry. California’s farmers and ranchers produce a safe, secure supply of food, fiber and shelter; marketed fairly for all Californians; and produced with responsible environmental stewardship.

    For additional information on the California Department of Food and Agriculture please visit our website atwww.cdfa.ca.gov.

  • California Pursues New Health Protections on Chlorpyrifos

    Sacramento, Calif., (August 24, 2017) – The California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) announced today that both the California Department of Pesticide Regulation and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment are pursuing health protections on one of the most widely used agricultural pesticides in the nation, chlorpyrifos.

    The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) released today an updated draft risk assessment for public comment. This action marks the start of a public and scientific review of the document, which could lead to increased restrictions on chlorpyrifos statewide. DPR is currently developing interim restrictions on use of the pesticide and recommendations will be made to county agricultural commissioners next month.

    In addition, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is referring chlorpyrifos for potential listing as a developmental toxicant under Proposition 65. OEHHA today posted an announcement that the state’s Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant Identification Committee will consider the listing of chlorpyrifos at its next public meeting.

    “While chlorpyrifos has been protecting crops for more than 50 years, new information in the scientific community leads us to believe the level of risk it poses is greater than previously known,” said CalEPA Secretary Matthew Rodriquez. “We need to better understand the science to ensure our actions protect public health. The actions we are taking today reflect our commitment to the health and safety of all Californians, and the environment.”

    DPR scientists believe chlorpyrifos may pose a public health risk as a toxic air contaminant based on its assessment of the latest studies in the scientific community. However, this new finding, indicated in the updated draft risk assessment has not been peer reviewed and must go through a public comment period and be independently evaluated by other scientists.

    On Sept. 15, DPR will hold a public workshop on the updated draft risk assessment at the Pesticide Registration and Evaluation Committee meeting in Sacramento.

    After the 45-day written public comment period, which begins today, DPR’s updated draft risk assessment will go before an independent panel of nine scientists known as the Scientific Review Panel (SRP). The thorough review process, which may ultimately lead to more restrictions on use, may conclude in December 2018.

    Next month, DPR will provide county agricultural commissioners with specific interim recommendations, including:

    • Increasing distances between sites where the chemical is applied and sensitive locations, such as homes and schools. These would be specific to each type of application method.
    • New restrictions on methods used to apply chlorpyrifos.

    OEHHA will soon open a written public comment period on scientific materials that describe the evidence for the developmental toxicity of chlorpyrifos. OEHHA will provide the materials and the written public comments to the Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant Identification Committee. The committee is an independent panel of 10 scientific experts that determines whether chemicals are added to the Proposition 65 list as causing birth defects and other reproductive harm. The committee will also consider public comments presented at its November 29 meeting.

    If the committee adds chlorpyrifos to the Proposition 65 list as a developmental toxicant, businesses that knowingly cause exposures above minimum levels must provide a Proposition 65 warning.

    DPR’s updated draft risk assessment and other documents relating to chlorpyrifos are available at:

    http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/whs/active_ingredient/chlorpyrifos.htm

    OEHHA’s notice of the Nov. 29 meeting of the Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant Identification Committee concerning chlorpyrifos is available at: www.oehha.ca.gov.

  • 2016 Air Monitoring Shows Pesticides Below Health Screening Levels

    Sacramento, Calif., (August 24, 2017) – The latest air monitoring results released from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) show that, for the second year in a row, all of the pesticides monitored were found below levels that indicate a health concern or need for further evaluation.

    “Air monitoring is an important tool used to ensure that the California’s vigorous pesticide regulatory program is working to protect human health as legal pesticides are applied to produce food and fiber” said Brian Leahy, Director of DPR.

    Highlights of the 2016 draft air monitoring report shows that of the 37 chemicals (32 pesticides and five breakdown products) that are monitored:

    • 12 were not be detected at all
    • 14 were only detected at trace levels and 11 were detected at quantifiable levels
    • Of the 5,928 analyses[1]conducted, 91.0% had no detectable concentrations

    California is the only state that monitors air as part of its continuous reevaluation of pesticides to ensure the protection of workers, public health and the environment. The pesticides monitored were selected based primarily on potential risk to human health. They include all the major fumigants and many organophosphates.

    As part of the air monitoring network, DPR monitors and analyzes pesticides in three communities: Salinas (Monterey County), Shafter (Kern County) and Ripon (San Joaquin County).

    Additionally, the Air Resources Board, at DPR’s request, monitors for three fumigant pesticides in three other communities: Ventura, Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County) and Watsonville (Santa Cruz County).

    The air-monitoring network, the first of its kind in the nation, was created in 2011 to expand DPR’s knowledge of long-term exposure to pesticides. The data from the network helps DPR determine if additional protective measures are needed.

    As announced in January 2017, DPR has expanded the air-monitoring network in order to obtain more data from more locations. All eight locations will monitor 31 pesticides and five pesticide breakdown products at all sites for two more years. At the end of this period DPR will evaluate and determine the need and scope for the air-monitoring network.

  • Inspect Vines For Vine Mealybug Before Planting

    Santa Rosa, Calif., (August 2, 2017) – In the spring, grapevine nurseries will deliver tens of thousands of vines for new developments and vineyard blocks scheduled to be replanted in Sonoma County. Vines will also arrive to replace plants lost to Pierce’s disease and those that were pulled because of leafroll or red blotch disease. For new and redevelopments, sig- ni cant resources and time were invested months before the delivery date to insure that on the day of planting the site is prepared, the irrigation system functions, stakes or plant markers are in and labor is available. Given these “times” one more item should be added to that long list. Vines should be inspected for vine mealybug by your crew before the vines are planted and if the pest is found, the Agricultural Commissioner o ce should be informed.

    Vine mealybug (Planococcus cus) was rst discovered in Coachella Valley in 1994 and in 1998 it was found in

    vineyards in Kern and Fresno Counties. Within the next 5 years it was in 16 counties and infested plant mate- rial was one of the contributing factors to that rapid spread. Although the movement of vine mealybug on nursery stock is far less of an issue now than it was prior to 2003, in the long run, it pays to spend time looking at vines while they are in the ats just to be certain the pest is not seen. Once vine mealybug becomes established in a block it must be controlled every year with an IPM program that utilizes insecticides and eventually mating disruption plus diligent monitoring to evaluate e cacy.

    Vine mealybug is spread naturally by wind and birds and by farming practices that move the immature insects to other areas inside the block and to adjacent blocks. ere are 3 to 4 overlapping generations in the North Coast and pest populations increase throughout the grow-
    ing season. By midsummer, all stages of the insect can be found on canes, clusters, leaves, petioles as well as under the bark on trunks and cordons. As they feed, they excrete copious amounts of honeydew. Vineyard equipment and clothing is easily contaminated when it contacts sticky plant parts that contain young immature insects (crawlers) which are less than 1 mm long.

    Grapevine nurseries take measures to prevent dormant and green benchgra s from becoming infested with vine mealybugs. e CDFA Nursery Stock Pest Cleanliness Standards requires nursery stock to be free from vine mealybug. Nurseries can be in compliance of the stan- dards of cleanliness requirements by using the Vine Mealybug Trapping and Survey Protocol provided by CDFA. In the protocol, adult vine mealybug males are monitored with the use of sticky traps which contain a lure loaded with a synthetic form of that insect’s sex pheromone.

    In lieu of conducting the trapping and survey protocol, nurseries may voluntarily immerse dormant grape cuttings and rootings in hot water following a protocol provided by CDFA. e county Agricultural Commissioner’s sta must approve of the dipping equipment and ensure the recording thermometers are calibrated. Most nurseries routinely hot water dip and do so under a compliance agreement with their Agricultural Commissioner’s o ce.

    Green gra ed vines can’t be immersed in hot water and there is no protocol currently available for treating these vines. Nurseries apply insec- ticides and take other measures to prevent vines from becoming infested during the production process. e wax that is used to protect the gra union also protects insects that get under the wax.

    Given that vine mealybugs continue to spread within grape growing regions in California, vineyards are at risk of becoming infested. Infested plants from nurseries are rare, but it happens. Taking the time to inspect them on-site is critical. Budgeting labor hours to inspect vines before planting may reduce farming costs in the future if infested vines are not planted – and your neighbor does the same.

    By Rhonda Smith, UC Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor

     

  • Updates To CSWA Documentation Requirements

    Santa Rosa, Calif., (August 2, 2017) – New changes in the California Sustainable Winegrowers Association (CSWA) Code require documentation on new items for growers, such as Nitrogen input into the soil, water tracking and weekly monitoring of pests during the growing season. CSWA isn’t requiring growers to show less use of water or nitrogen, or even their exact measurements, they just want to see a tracking protocol in place. Here are a few easy ways to document these new requirements and complete continual improvement plans:

    • Measuring Nitrogen input into the soil – CSWA has developed new tracking software to help calculate applied nitrogen. Tracking and improving the efficiency of amounts applied as fertilizer or other nitrogen-containing additives is important to save money, meet vine needs and avoid environmental problems. Check out CSWA’s measuring tools at www.sustainablewinegrowing.org/performance-metrics.php.
    • Measuring Water – Did you know about 20% of energy consumed in California relates to water? So, reducing use saves energy and money, reduces emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, and reduces reliance on constrained supplies. If you don’t want to use the online measure tool through CSWA, you can manually calculate your water. Just divide acre-inches applied by acre to calculate water per acre, or calculate acre-inches applied by ton of grapes to calculate water per tons of grapes. The auditor just wants to see your calculations for the year, nothing more.
    • Weekly monitoring for pests, and other events in the vineyard – Have a designated notebook in your truck documenting weekly significant pest sightings, pheniological events, viticulture activities and pesticide applications. Some weeks you may not have any significant pest sightings or pesticide application, just put an (X) to show your auditor you walked through the vineyard that week.