California Ag Network

Tag: Pistachios

  • Roof Rats Unnerve Farm Workers, Damage Orchard Crops

    Davis, Calif., (March 22, 2018) – Monitor for rodent activity and use bait stations before the growing season to prevent problems, UC ANR scientists recommend.

    Roof rats are running rampant in California orchards this year, according to UC Agriculture and Natural Resources scientists.

    “In pistachio and other nut orchards, roof rats are burrowing and nesting in the ground where they’re chewing on irrigation lines, causing extensive damage,” said Rachael Long, UC Cooperative Extension advisor. “They are also nesting in citrus trees, feeding on the fruit and terrifying field workers when they jump out as people are picking fruit. The chewing pests are also girdling citrus limbs, causing branch dieback.”

    The wet winter of 2017 led to lots of weed seeds for rats to eat. “Last season, rats were also nibbling on pomegranates, avocados, and other fruit and nut crops, rendering them unmarketable,” Long said.

    Holes in the ground around the base of pistachio trees throughout a Yolo County orchard puzzled the grower.

    “We looked for ground squirrels, but never saw any,” Long said. “We set up game cameras, but only got birds and rabbits. We put rodent bait in the holes, but the digging didn’t stop.”

    Long, the pest detective, cracked the case by consulting Niamh Quinn, UC Cooperative Extension human-wildlife interactions advisor based in Irvine. “She informed us that the damage we were seeing was from roof rats.”

    Burrowing roof rats sounds like an oxymoron. While roof rats generally don’t burrow in urban environments, their country cousins have been known to burrow.

    “It’s not true that they don’t burrow,” Quinn said. “When I worked as staff research associate for Roger Baldwin, UC Cooperative Extension wildlife specialist, that is mostly what we studied, burrowing roof rats in orchards.”

    Roof rats are nocturnal animals that climb trees and burrow underground.

    Control measures – Baldwin said, “It seems to be a good year for rats in a number of different areas and crops throughout the state. I’ve received more questions and comments about rats this year than perhaps the last 10 years combined. As for bait application, putting bait down burrow systems for rats doesn’t usually work too well, so I’m not surprised that approach didn’t work. Growers will likely have better luck with bait stations in the trees.”

    Because the rats climb, Baldwin suggests attaching bait stations to tree branches.

    “In addition, elevating the bait stations will eliminate access to bait for many protected mammal species, such as kangaroo rats,” Long said. “The bait diphacinone grain can be purchased from some ag commissioners’ offices. This is what Roger Baldwin said they tested and it worked.”

    As for the bait stations, they should be designed so that there isn’t any spillage for nontarget animals to eat, Long said.

    When roof rat outbreaks occur, rodenticides are often needed to prevent crop damage. However, timing is critical as diphacinone use is highly restrictive and not allowed during the growing season, which is beginning as the weather warms.

    “Check the product label for application instructions,” Long reminds growers. “It’s the law.”

    Because roof rats climb, UC Cooperative Extension wildlife specialist Rager Baldwin recommends attaching bait stations to tree branches.

    Identifying the pest – One way for growers to identify whether they have roof rats is by the size of the burrows. The nocturnal pests are active above ground in trees and below ground.

    “Roof rats can forage away from their nest, so you won’t likely find signs of their activity, such as rat droppings outside their burrow, to help identify them,” Long said.

    Ground squirrels are active during the day, so they are more likely to be seen, dig holes about 4 inches in diameter and forage above ground near their burrows. Vole and mouse holes are 1- to 2-inches in diameter. Roof rat holes are typically 3 to 4 inches in diameter and might have nut shells in front of them, for example pistachio or almond shells. Rabbits will feed on seedling crops, but do not dig burrows.

    Roof rats are prolific breeders that reproduce year-round, according to Baldwin. Females typically have three to five litters per year with five to eight young, enabling their populations to rapidly increase. The omnivores feed on a wide variety of plant and animal materials, allowing them to adapt to any environment, including urban and agricultural lands.

     

    “Rats are sneaky and hard to spot,” Long said. “If you see damage, including digging in the soil but no wildlife, suspect rats.”

    For more information on controlling roof rats, download Quinn and Baldwin’s free UC ANR publication 8513, Managing Roof Rats and Deer Mice in Nut and Fruit Orchards at http://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/Details.aspx?itemNo=8513.

    For more information about ground squirrels, download the free UC IPM Best Management Guidelines http://www.groundsquirrelbmp.com or UC IPM Pest Note http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7438.html.

    Roof Rats are causing damage in nut and tree fruit orchards.
    Roof rat holes are typically 3 to 4 inches in diameter.
    Ground squirrels are active during the day and their burrows are 4 inches or more in diameter.

  • 2018 Pistachio Crop off to a Poor Start

    Spring is coming and Central Valley growers are concerned about the lack of rain and chill portions their orchards have received this winter, shares Executive Director at American Pistachio Growers Richard Matoian. Watch this brief interview with Richard and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (August 1, 2017) – The weather last week was hot and dry across the State. The summer monsoon across the southwest desert helped trigger some showers across the deserts last week, while additional pockets of moisture found their way into the Sierras and managed to produce a few scattered showers throughout the week. Rainfall was limited to Monday through Thursday across the interior deserts and parts of the central and northern Sierras. A few monsoon showers and thunderstorms dropped up to half an inch of rain in places across the desert, with most areas receiving around a tenth of an inch. A stray thunderstorm near Alturas in the northeastern corner of the State dropped nearly half an inch of rain. Snow cover continued to dissipate across the State; however, some areas of the Lassen Volcanic National Park still had nearly ten feet of snow in some areas.

    Temperature highs were in the 60s to 80s along the coast, 70s to 90s in the mountains, 90s to 100s, in the valley, and 90s to 110s in the desert. Temperature lows were in the 30s to 50s in the mountains, 50s to 60s along the coast, 60s to 70s in the valley, and 60s to 80s in the desert.

    Wheat was harvested for grain and shaft baled for straw. Alfalfa fields were being irrigated, cut, and baled. Corn and sorghum for silage were cultivated and irrigated. The corn silage crop was in various stages of development, from already tasseling to developing ears. Cotton continued to be irrigated, cultivated, and was growing well. Cotton was blooming and forming bolls. Black-eyed beans continued to be irrigated and cultivated.

    Mid-season peach, nectarine, pluot, and plum harvest continued.  Some harvested stone fruit orchards were pruned and topped. Table grapes were harvested and vineyards irrigated. Wine grapes were maturing well.  Valencia orange harvest continued but was winding down due to high temperatures and fruit availability.

    Walnut, almond, and pistachio orchards continued to be irrigated. Mechanical and chemical weed control continued in orchards.  Harvest preparation was underway in almond orchards. Almond harvest began in the warmer regions of Kern County. Pistachios were beginning to split. Navel Orange Worm sprays and fertilizers were applied to pistachios. Walnuts were sizing well.

    In Colusa County, triple digit heat impacted the harvest of vegetables, including processing tomatoes and honeydew melons.  The processing tomato harvest was somewhat erratic, interrupting the smooth flow of ripe tomatoes to the canneries.    The melon packing sheds were affected by the inconsistent flow of fruit.  In San Joaquin County, harvest was ongoing for honeydew melons, watermelons, cantaloupes, onions, and fresh vegetable crops.  Farmers’ Market vegetables continued to be harvested and offered for sale.   In Monterey County, mid-year harvest and production slowed for two weeks.  It was expected to pick back up with more harvesting and preparation for the third or last rotation of the year.  All commodities, lettuces, brassicas, and spinach were in production.  Asparagus was finished and artichokes will pick up again in August.  In Fresno County, harvest continued for both organic and conventional tomatoes with lower yields than expected.  Quality was reported as very good.  Onions, carrots, and lettuce seed were harvested.  Soil was prepared for yellow peppers.  In Tulare County, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and peppers were picked by certified producers and sold at the local Farmers’ Markets.  Yellow squash, zucchini, eggplant, Bell peppers, green chili peppers, and cucumbers were harvested and shipped domestically.  Sweet corn harvest continued and was sold at roadside stands and local Farmers’ Markets.  Melons were irrigated and prepared for the upcoming harvest.  In Kings County, the tomato harvest continued with a decent harvest reported.  Tomatoes were sprayed with fungicide and pesticide.

    The decline in nutritional quality of rangeland grasses and forbs continued. Range and dryland pasture conditions across the state were reported as fair to very poor. Wildland fires burned some north state pastures and ranges.  Elevated temperatures continued to impact milk production. Bees were active in melon and sunflower fields.

  • Tariff Success & Crop Update with American Pistachio Growers

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    Good news for our pistachio industry — the tariffs for pistachios from Iran coming into the US will remain in place. Richard Matoian from American Pistachio Growers reported this in an interview with California Ag Network, and provided some insights on how the 2017 crop is looking. Watch his brief interview, attend the upcoming pistachio luncheon on July 28th, and learn more by reading Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Enjoy Your Tree Nuts: UC Scientists Help with Regulatory Compliance

    Davis, Calif., (March 28, 2017) – California tree nut growers will soon have to comply with new agriculture water testing requirements under the Produce Safety Rule in the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). University of California researchers and advisors are holding seminars to share information about the agricultural water requirements and proper water sampling methods in order to be in compliance with the regulations.

    Almond kernel emerging from dried hull. (Photo: Melissa L. Partyka)

    While irrigation or spray water is generally not the source of contamination, it is a vehicle for pathogens that are harmful to humans, especially on produce that is consumed raw; therefore, agricultural water was included as a part of the new regulation.

     

    The UC Cooperative Extension office in Yolo County was the site of the first information sessions for nut tree growers/producers. It was an ideal location, as the fertile soils of the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys are home to the largest tree nut production industries in the U.S. Some nuts are also grown in the coastal valley regions and Sierra foothills.

    Good news for nut consumers

    Almond harvesting in California’s Central Valley. (Photo: Melissa L. Partyka)

    The new regulations and the focus on food safety practices, particularly within the nut tree industry, is of great interest because of the popularity of nutritious and delicious tree nuts. I for one am a big consumer. My day starts with almond butter on toast. That’s followed by snacks of raw walnuts and dates. And there’s always the handful of roasted pistachios to be grabbed for a salty treat.

     

    It is lucky for someone who is nuts about nuts to live in California. The state is the nation’s No. 1 walnut, almond and pistachio producer. California produces 80 percent of the world’s almonds. We produce one million tons of almonds each year, followed by walnuts at nearly half a million tons, and pistachios at over a quarter million tons.

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture reports the state’s leading agricultural export products by value in 2015 were almonds ($5.14 billion), dairy products ($1.63 billion), walnuts ($1.49 billion), wine ($1.48 billion), and pistachios ($848 million).

    Melissa L. Partyka, an ecologist at the UC Davis Western Institute for Food Safety and Security, (WIFSS) and Ronald F. Bond, a water quality researcher and field coordinator with WIFSS, are engaging local growers on issues of food safety and helping to educate them on not only the regulations but on ways to improve their water quality.

    Partyka and Bond are staff in the UC Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Vet Med Extension and Atwill Water and Foodborne Zoonotic Disease Laboratory, headed by UC Cooperative Extension specialist Rob Atwill, director of WIFSS.

    They are affiliated with the Western Center for Food Safety, a Food and Drug Administration Center of Excellence, and are helping break down the regulations for the growers, regulations which can be a little overwhelming to the untrained.

    Agricultural water, according to FSMA, is that water used to irrigate, treat, harvest, wash commodity or equipment on farm.

    Growers are required to test water if it:

    • Comes in contact with the harvestable portion of the commodity
    • Is used to clean harvest equipment
    • Is used to mix pesticides/fungicides applied to commodity
    • Is used by harvest crews to wash hands

    As of January 2016 growers will have 2 to 4 years (depending on farm size) to comply with most aspects of the Produce Safety Rule. Basically, the larger the production, the higher potential for risk to the consumer. How often a grower samples water depends on the water source. Well water requires an initial four samples, followed by one sample per year. Surface water, requires an initial 20 samples, followed by five samples per year. Water samples should be collected as close to harvest as is practical. During a long harvest season, samples can be spread out; in short harvest seasons, samples should be collected closer together; and in multiple harvest seasons, samples should be taken near each harvest if water is coming from the same source.

    A full day workshop to be hosted by UC Cooperative Extension is planned for late June. Look for announcement of date, time, and location on the following websites: www.wcfs.ucdavis.edu, http://ucanr.edu, www.wifss.ucdavis.edu.

     

  • Trump Administration Impact on American Pistachio Trade

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    The Trans-Pacific Partnership certainly had its pluses and minuses for Ag, but now with it gone, what does that mean for pistachio trade? Is President Trump going to negotiate a new trade agreement? Watch California Ag Network’s brief interview with Richard Matoian from American Pistachios as he explains the situation.

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (February 28, 2017) – Another wet week, with temperatures staying steady. Widespread freezes were reported Thursday through Saturday across the State.

    Rainfall followed a similar pattern Monday through Wednesday, with the heaviest rains falling in the northwestern mountains, and the northern and central Sierra foothills. Four to five inches of rain fell in these places, with two to three inches in the northern and central valley. Rainfall tapered off to the south, with up to one inch in the southern valley and along the coast down to the Los Angeles area. Additional light rains fell on most of the State for the rest of the week and into the weekend. Most areas outside of the far southern coast and deserts received an additional quarter inch to half inch of rain. Cold temperatures and an active weather pattern led to yet more snow in the mountains, with up to two feet falling in parts of the central and northern Sierras. The northern mountains received another foot of snow, with the southern Sierras receiving under six inches. Temperatures were cold enough for an overall increase of the snowpack in the central and northern mountains, while a slight decrease of the snowpack was seen in the southern Sierras.

    Temperature highs were in the 20s to 50s in the mountains, 40s to 60s along the coast, 50s to 60s in the valley, and 50s to 70s in the desert. The temperature lows were in the 10s to 30s in the mountains, 20s to 30s in the valley, 20s to 40s in the desert, and 40s to 50s along the coast.

    The planted grains and field crops continued to mature, reaping the benefit from all the recent rain, and a few sunny days.  Growers waiting for excess water to dry up in the fields.

    Pruning, discing, weed control, and pre-bloom spraying continued where drying orchard floor conditions permitted. Olive groves were pruned. Pruning, tying, berm sanitation, and brush shredding continued in the drier vineyards. The standing water in vineyards and orchards continued to cause concern for the health of the trees and vines. Herbicides were applied in some vineyards. Early varieties of nectarine and peach were blooming in Fresno County. Cherry bloom began in Tulare County. The Navel orange harvest resumed. Recent rains impacted the overall quality of the citrus. Zutano avocados harvest was ongoing. Tangelo harvest continued. Date trees were planted in Imperial County.

    As field conditions permitted walnut and pistachio orchards were pruned. Saturated soils and high winds toppled some walnut and almond trees in the San Joaquin Valley. Almond bloom was progressing well across the State. Rain and wind caused some almond petal drop. As flooded orchards dried and conditions permitted, beehives were moved in to facilitate almond pollination.

    Drying conditions allowed for fields to be prepared for cultivation in Madera, Fresno, and Tulare County. Ground was being prepped for planting tomatoes. Herbicide was being applied to onions. Strawberry fields continued to thrive. Carrots continued to be harvested.

    Non-irrigated pasture and rangeland continued to improve due to the winter’s precipitation and warming temperatures. Range was reported to be in excellent to fair condition. Supplemental feeding of livestock was waning as range conditions improved. Bees were active in the blooming almond orchards. Sheep grazed retired pasture, harvested broccoli fields, and dormant alfalfa.

  • Fresno County Department of Agriculture Crop Report

    Fresno, Calif., (February 8, 2017) – Heavy rains continued in January promoting vigorous growth in barley, triticale, wheat and winter forage. Fields have been fertilized, and herbicides applied. Dry-land barley have been planted and showing good growth.

    The rains have put much of the fieldwork on hold, waiting for drier conditions. Between storms, growers reshaped beds, and added soil amendments for the next round of field crops. Sheep continue to graze in some alfalfa fields when other fields received areal herbicide treatments to control weeds in wet fields. First cuttings of alfalfa are rapidly approaching in Sanger district.

    Working around storms, growers continued to prune, disc, and apply herbicides to orchards. Around the County dormant sprays were being applied between storm systems. In the Sanger and Selma Districts, early varieties of nectarines and peaches started to bloom. Almond buds are swelling in Sanger and Huron, loads of beehives were moved in. Work continues in the vineyards with pruning, tying, and herbicide applications. Around the County orchards and vineyards continue to be taken out, replaced with almonds and pistachios. Almonds, Asian pears, dry apricots, dry cranberry, dry figs, dry prunes, pecans, raisins, and walnuts were exported to; Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and Viet Nam. Kiwi were exported to Guatemala, Japan, and Taiwan. Peruvian and Chilean grapes were re-exported to Canada

    Preparation for spring planting has started in a few fields with weeding, discing, irrigation repair, and formation of rows taking place. Field fumigations for eggplant, strawberries, and tomatoes had started in some districts but most were on hold due to ground saturation from recent rains. Garlic and onion planting have all emerged and show good growth. Broccoli is growing steadily in Firebaugh, while asparagus fields were topped and shredded for spring harvest. Harvesting of carrots and daikon continued. Broccoli, cilantro, kale, mustard, and leaf lettuce was planted for seed production. Onion and lettuce seed were exported to Germany, Japan, and republic of Korea. Blueberries started showing signs of swelling buds in Selma district, when other areas remain dormant.

    January had a few nights with below freezing temperatures but so far, no significant freeze damage has been reported in the districts. Rain also delayed citrus harvest in many districts but exports are steady. Around the storms, fungicide applications took place in many citrus orchards. Grapefruit, lemons, mandarins, Navel oranges, pummelos, tangelos, and tangerines were exported to; Chile, China, Ecuador, Fiji, Guatemala, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Tonga. Olive groves underwent discing, and herbicide applications to control weeds.

    The rain has had a huge impact on the rangeland, creating favorable conditions for grazing livestock. Sheep continue to graze on dormant alfalfa and fallow fields. In Huron district, cattle are being shipped out for processing. With the almonds and stone fruit starting to bud, beehives were brought in from out of state to be placed in orchards for pollination.

  • Tulare County Reports on Current Crop Status

    Visalia, Calif., (February 3, 2017) – Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner released the current status today of Major crops in the most valued county in the California Ag portfolio. They report that Growers continue to wait for fields to dry out sufficiently that they can resume planting winter grain and field crops. The planted grains and field crops continue to mature at an excellent rate, reaping the benefit from all the recent rain, and now sunshine. Black-eyed beans were exported to Malaysia.

    Table grapes from cold storage continue to be exported primarily to Canada and Mexico. Field work in vineyards and orchards: pruning, tying, berm sanitation, and brush shredding, are starting up again as fields dry. Kiwifruit are being exported to Colombia. Pistachios are being exported Belgium, China, Egypt, France, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Vietnam. Almonds are being exported to Chile, China, Colombia, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. Pecans are being shipped to Australia, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. Walnuts are being shipped to Hong Kong. Pomegranates are primarily being exported to Mexico. In drier locations the removal of older orchards and vineyards continues in preparation for replanting with new varieties.

    The citrus harvest is gaining strength with the clearer weather. Navel oranges are being shipped to Australia, China, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The second application of copper fungicide has or will be made to meet the February 4th deadline for continued export to Korea. Mandarin oranges continue being shipped to Australia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Japan, and Mexico. Satsuma tangerines continue to be harvested and sent to domestic markets only. Melogold grapefruit are being exported to Japan and Korea. Lemons are being exported to Australia, China, Korea, and New Zealand. Removal of older orchards continues in preparation for replanting to new varieties this spring. The domestic market for citrus fruit remains steady at a good price.

    Winter vegetables continue to mature ideally. The drier weather is allowing the harvest to resume. Strawberries fields continue to thrive. Blueberries continue to be planted, weather permitting.

    Rangeland and dryland pasture quality continue to improve with the recent rainfall.

    Bare root rose nursery stock continues to be received, processed and shipped out. Potted roses are currently being shipped. Shipments of wholesale nursery stock have remained slow due to winter weather and a lack of demand. Mature olive trees are being dug up and sold for landscaping as soil conditions permit.

  • Tulare County Reports on Current Crop Status

    Visalia, Calif., (January 27, 2017) – Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner released the current status today of Major crops in the most valued county in the California Ag portfolio. They report that Growers continue to wait for fields to dry out in order to resume winter grain and field crop planting. The planted grains and field crops continue to mature at an excellent rate, reaping the benefit from all the recent rain. Sorghum seed continues to be received for future planting. Black-eyed beans were exported to Malaysia.

    Table grapes from cold storage continue to be exported primarily to Canada and Mexico. Field work in vineyards and orchards: pruning, tying, berm sanitation, and brush shredding, are all on hold until workers can get back in wet fields. Kiwifruit are being exported to Colombia. Pistachios are being exported Belgium, China, Egypt, France, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Vietnam. Almonds are being exported to Chile, China, Colombia, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. Pecans are being shipped to Australia, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. Walnuts are being shipped to Hong Kong. Pomegranates are primarily being exported to Mexico. In drier locations the removal of older orchards and vineyards continues in preparation for replanting with new varieties, but even this has been delayed by the extended wet weather.

    The citrus harvest was essentially stopped during the recent rains. With the clearer weather it should resume at a rapid pace. Navel oranges are being shipped to Australia, China, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The second application of copper fungicide has or will be made to meet the February 4th deadline for continued export to Korea. Mandarin oranges continue being shipped to Australia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Japan, and Mexico. Satsuma tangerines continue to be harvested and sent to domestic markets only. Melogold grapefruit are being exported to Japan and Korea. Lemons are being exported to Australia, China, Korea, and New Zealand. Removal of older orchards continues in preparation for replanting to new varieties in drier locations. The domestic market for citrus fruit remains steady at a good price.

    Winter vegetables continue to mature ideally. The wet weather stopped the harvest of cole crops, but the harvest should continue as fields dry in the coming days. Strawberries fields continue to thrive. Blueberries continue to be planted, weather permitting.

    Rangeland and dryland pasture continues to improve with the recent rainfall. Rangeland quality is benefiting from this week’s rain at the lower elevations. The fed cattle market price up at $120 per hundredweight.

    Bare root rose nursery stock continues to be received, processed and shipped out. Potted roses are currently being shipped. Shipments of wholesale nursery stock have remained slow due to winter weather and a lack of demand. Mature olive trees are being dug up and sold for landscaping as soil conditions permit.