To determine if an orchard is deficient in or showing
toxicity from boron, hull samples must be collected.
Since the hulls serve as the primary boron sink,
they tend to accumulate the nutrient, and provide a
consistent reading. Leaf values are not effective in
determining adequate boron levels, regardless of
timing. Furthermore, leaf tissues can not reliably detect
toxicities and are inconsistent at the lower end of the
sufficiency levels.
Boron deficiency can be alleviated through
applications of boron to the soil. Generally, one
to two pound per acre of elemental boron is a
reasonable soil application (about 10 to 20 pounds
of a 20 percent boron product). To reduce the risk of
stick tights at harvest, apply the boron after harvest
or in April. A foliar spray of boron should always be
considered between postharvest and pink-bud.
The Final Thought
Over the past few years
there has been an increase of
almond thefts. These include
from stockpile yards and
missing truckloads. Although it
is a busy time, be mindful of
the activity and stick to the
protocol of verifying drivers
and receiving signed pickup
sheets. In larger operations,
consider assigning only the
most trustworthy employees to
handling trucking and delivery
information.
David Doll, UCCE Pomology
Farm Advisor, Merced County
3 7
J U L Y – A U G U S T 2 0 1 8
