This report covers the conditions and activities observed from February 16, 2024 to February 22, 2024. Written updates will be posted regularly on Fridays throughout bloom and will have a more regionalized focus. Additional updates will be posted as needed.
Disruptive weather and progressing bloom dominated during the last week for Californias almond growing region. Sonoras are now past the peak of the bloom and well into petal fall. Variation between fields continues to be present for Nonpareil with most reaching peak bloom at the start of the week. California type varieties progressed rapidly over the last week, and many are within a couple of days of the Nonpareil. Monterey and Carmel have also sped up in the last week with Monterey now syncing up with many California types. Late blooming Butte and Padre have started to show their flowers, with many set to bloom in the next week. Independence had some of the most rapid movement this week seemingly going from pink bud to full bloom overnight.
This progression of bloom happened during some unfavorable weather early into the week. California growers faced heavy down pours and strong winds that ravaged blooms and caused some early petal fall. Even though the weather has been unfavorable growers are still optimistic. Jim Maxwell, who is a grower in the south valley, said “Daily bee flight hours are dramatically increasing just as bloom is progressing rapidly. A lot of pollination should be accomplished between now and mid-day Monday.” The rapidness of the bloom that Jim spoke of has caught the eye of many growers as they notice substantial changes from day to day. This progression is not just from warm days but warm nights with many areas staying in the mid 40’s.
Growers spent most of last week applying preventative disease treatments before the storms, those who did not are now applying their first treatment before the next round of wet weather. Growers have also been busy clearing downed trees caused by the high winds and saturated soil. Fertilizer applications have also started as leaves start to emerge on the trees and photosynthesis can occur.
By: Trent Voss, Member Relations Regional Manager
Photos By: Mel Machado, KC Stone, Austin Jackson
