may-jun-2019

IN YOUR ORCHARD (PTB) control as there are, currently, no effective predators of these key pests. Spider mite management is one part of an almond pest management program where integrated pest management can be used to a greater extent than, say, worm control. This is something to consider and discuss with your PCA as almond acreage continues to grow and the industry is increasingly scrutinized. Dust Minimize harvest dust wherever possible for ranch and public safety. See helpful information on reducing harvest dust at: www.almonds.com/growers/in-the-orchard/harvest/harvest-dust. Fertilization By the time you read this, the window for nitrogen (N) fertilization before hull spit will be just about closed – and should be slammed shut in mid- May if hull rot is an issue in the orchard. Franz Niederholzer, UCCE Farm Advisor, Colusa and Sutter/ Yuba Counties NIKKEL IRON WORKS CORP. 800-342-9222 NIKKELIRONWORKS.COM Dealer Inquiries Welcome. • Now reversible • New and improved! • Gathers nuts from the end of each lane; positions them to prevent spillage on the corners • Eliminates lane-end hand raking labor • Hook-up is 3 point, Cat. II. • Virtually eliminates ground crop loss NUT CROWDER E TM PATENTED REDUCE NUT CROP LOSS REDUCE LABOR COSTS Potassium (K) use by the crop will continue steadily into July, so K fertigation is an option into hull split. Potassium in almonds is mostly found in the crop, and almonds use more potassium to produce a crop than any other nutrient (Nonpareil can use roughly 90 pounds K2O per 1,000 pounds of kernels). The heavier the crop, the higher the K demand is per acre. Potassium deficient almond trees (less than one percent leaf K in July leaf sample) produce fewer flowers the next year and so less crop than trees with sufficient K levels. After harvest, it will be too late to correct any deficiency as flower buds begin to form in August. If an orchard is running close to the edge of K deficiency, a summer fertigation application should be considered. Consult with your PCA/ CCA regarding materials and rates. Summer leaf analysis, taken in roughly mid-July after hull split, should be taken every year in every orchard as a “report card” for your in-season nutrition program and to red-flag any deficiencies (or toxicities) for future consideration. All the best this summer as harvest approaches. 4 8 A L M O N D F A C T S