may-jun-2019

Orchard Success and Why It Pays to Focus on Root Health Below the surface of the soil, where plant roots are meant to thrive and provide a healthy support system, is the place to start your orchard health program. Root health is a basic necessity impacting orchard health for many years. Sustainability, production and growth are all compromised by poor root health. Sampling and Monitoring With permanent crops like almonds, the biggest threats to tree root systems are destructive nematode species that feed on them, leaving trees struggling to take up suf cient nutrients and water. Whether the orchard is a new re-plant or mature, growers should consider soil sampling for nematode levels and continue to monitor for diseases that can also erode soil health. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, nematodes reduce vigor and yield in tree nuts, causing 15 to 20 percent yield loss on average but sometimes as much as 50 percent. 1 Fumigation Restrictions on soil fumigant use due to air quality concerns make pre-plant soil fumigation less likely to be a permanent nematode management solution. In addition, nematode populations in soil can rebuild over two or three years, threatening the health of maturing trees, and additional applications to suppress nematodes after fumigations are necessary. Nematicides and insecticides are reliable post-plant protection against nematodes. “Research shows annual applications, as trees establish root systems, can add to crop yields,” says Rob Kiss, Bayer Customer Business Advisor in central California. Nematicide and Insecticide Solutions Velum ® One is a new nematicide that can be easily applied via drip and microjet chemigation. It suppresses a wide range of nematodes and has been shown to protect root health and help establish the crop. Trials conducted in California showed that young almond orchards treated with Velum One saw improved canopy diameter by more than half (58%) as well as improvement in yield . Movento ® insecticide can be applied as an in-season foliar spray. It moves through the leaves, down to the roots, protecting the roots from the effects of nematode feeding. ROOT HEALTH IN ALMOND ORCHARDS © 2019 Bayer Group. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, Movento, Serenade, and Velum are registered trademarks of the Bayer Group. Not all products are registered for use in all states. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.CropScience.Bayer.us. Bayer CropScience LP, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63167. CR0119MULTIPB583S00R0 Nematode populations can rebuild over two or three years , threatening the health of maturing trees. Nematodes reduce vigor and yield in tree nuts, causing 15 to 20 percent yield loss on average but sometimes as much as 50 percent . 1 IMPORTANT : This bulletin is not intended to provide adequate information for use of these products. Read the label before using these products. Observe all label directions and precautions while using these products. ADVERTORIAL 1 California Department of Food and Agriculture 2015 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Project Abstracts. Learn more at: www.CropScience.Bayer.us Fungicide Solutions Serenade ® ASO applied through chemigation colonizes the roots, helping to protect them from damage caused by soil-borne diseases. Healthier roots improve soil health and plant nutrient and water uptake. Summary Growers looking for an optimal start for their newly planted orchards and maturing trees should continue to be vigilant inmanaging soil pests and diseases in order to extract the maximum production and value from their orchards. Making sure the root systems are protected from soil diseases and pests will give trees every chance to produce up to their full potential and ensure the long-term vigor and health of your orchard. Velum ® One Helps Establish Young Almond Orchards Velum One-treated trees show 58% increase in canopy diameter (green canopy pixels). Velum One applied at 6.5 oz. per acre, spring 2017, via drip irrigation. Trees planted in January 2017. Velum ® One Untreated North South