This report covers the conditions and activities observed from February 10, 2025, to February 17, 2025. Written updates will be posted regularly on Mondays throughout bloom and will have a more regionalized focus. Additional updates will be posted as needed.
The Sacramento Valley is leading in bloom progression, particularly in the western areas of Colusa and Glenn counties. Cool nighttime temperatures were reported as low as 28 degrees in some areas, early in the week leading growers to initiate frost control measures where available. No frost damage was reported as trees are early in bloom and temperatures did not fall to damaging levels. Daytime highs reached 55 degrees.
In the Central San Joaquin Valley cold temperatures have also slowed bloom progression and restricted bee flight. Despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions, the bloom is advancing with many of the early and mid-blooming varieties showing various stages of bloom. In the Southern San Joaquin Valley bloom progression is slightly behind other regions. Temperatures varied across different microclimates and ranged from lows of 35 degrees to highs of 64 degrees with substantial rainfall.
Kings County grower Brian Medeiros stated, “This year it seems like everything’s coming a little bit slow. Bloom has been coming on slow. The bees are moving a little slow and the rain has been taking its time with only an inch over an eight-day period.” Official rainfall totals for the week ranged from 0.2 inch in the southern San Joaquin Valley to approximately two inches in the Sacramento Valley.
Between the chilly temperatures early in the week and the subsequent rainfall, bee flight opportunities have been limited.
Some growers were able to make disease treatment applications prior to the rain, and others will have to consider making their initial application soon. Application timing and orchard accessibility will play a factor in our growers’ efforts to mitigate fungal diseases, especially if additional rainfall arrives in the coming week.
Photos By: Anthony Scudder, Ashley Correia, Austin Jackson, KC Clendenin, and Kenneth Miyamoto
