may-jun-2020

Franz Niederholzer, UCCE Farm Advisor, Colusa & Sutter/Yuba Counties an integrated program including adequate, not excessive, orchard nitrogen status (less than 2.6 percent leaf nitrogen in July), mild water stress in early hull split (see irrigation section of this column) and a fungicide spray tankmixed with the first hull split spray delivers best results. Ants can cause significant crop loss in almonds. Survey orchards in April or May to determine If either of the two damaging ant species, southern fire ant or pavement ant, are present in the orchard(s). Timing of ant baits depends on the material choice, with the earliest materials going out as far out as 10 weeks ahead of harvest. Check with your PCA about options and rates. And, never rest on gophers and squirrels. Finally, June is a good time to prep equipment and your operation for what looks to be a big crop and long harvest. Equipment maintenance, stockpile site prep, and employee education/training are key topics. Approaching a record harvest where skilled employees will be especially valuable, reviewing pay scales and bonus programs could be the difference between having a seasoned, experienced crew and scrambling to find employees. Good crew (and management) health will be important during the long harvest. Best wishes for a safe, healthy end of spring/early summer for all. 4 3 M A Y – J U N E 2 0 2 0