46 Almond Facts
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2015
• Apply fungicides later in the afternoon or evening when bees and pollen are
less present. It is also important to not spray too late that the fungicide does
not have a chance to dry before the next foraging day;
• Addition of adjuvants is not needed unless specifed by the fungicide label.
These compounds may harm bees by increasing fungicide activity;
• Cover or remove the bees’ water source and avoid spraying the hive directly
with any pesticides.
• More information can be found at www.Almonds.com/BeeBMPs.
Proper Tree Planting
When planting a new orchard, it is
important to take the proper precautions
to avoid tree loss. I have seen more
orchards ruined by poor planting than
by any other problem. Trees should be
planted as soon as possible after arrival
from the nursery. Prior to delivery,
make sure the feld is prepared, which
includes ensuring that soil fumigants
have completely dissipated, soil clods are
broken down and workable, and large
amounts of organic material (e.g. grass
clippings, compost) are not present in the
planting areas. Berms are recommended
for most soils to prevent crown infections
by
Phytophthora
. Berms may not be needed
in soils with high infltration rates. If
planned, berms should be pulled prior
to tree planting. Do not pull berms as an
after-thought: soil covering the graft union
will increase the risk of
Phytophthora
.
To prevent root drying, keep the roots
moist and cover with a tarp when being
transported within the feld. Do not
prune tree roots unless they are broken.
Although the effcacy is variable, tree
roots should be treated with Galltrol
or similar product to prevent infection
by crown gall. This is done by making
a suspension of the provided bacteria
with water and either dipping the tree
roots into the suspension or spraying the
suspension onto the tree's roots.
When planting, dig a large enough hole to
ft the entire root system without bending
or wrapping. Forcing trees into planting
holes causes "J-rooting," increasing the
chance of crown gall and tree loss. Holes
should be dug at the time of planting if
possible, but if not, as close to the timing
of planting to prevent "glazing" of the
soil by the sun. If the holes are dug
with an auger or prior to the planting
day, slice the sides of the hole with a
shovel to break any crust that may have
formed. Plant the tree high enough so
that the nursery soil line is just above
the current soil line. Backfll the soil and
compact gently around the tree's base
to remove air pockets. Tank the tree in
with 4 to 5 gallons of water to help settle
the soil. Trees should be headed at 32-
to 36-inches, staked and side branches