nov-dec-2019

one,” Machado says, “Get control of it early. If you have a problem, contact your PCA or B lue Diamond ’s field department for assistance.” Premiums Matter Last year, up to 1/3 of the crop failed to make the highest grade. When comparing the return from the highest grade to the next highest, the difference calculates to substantial dollar amounts depending on the size of the delivery. This is more than enough to justify more attention to high-quality production. “Ask us what you can do to increase your high- premium deliveries,” Machado said. “Let us help you make more money.” NOWMatters A warming climate is one of the contributing factors to the increasing incidence of NOW infestations in California almond orchards. Damage resulting from the invasions of NOW points to cultural problems such as poor coverage with control materials, inadequate sanitation measures, and too many mummies left on trees. There should be no more than one mummy per tree. To sum up his advice on minimizing NOW damage, he listed some essential DON’TS: • Don’t fail to sanitize thoroughly. • Don’t fail to clean the crotches in your trees – get every nut out. • Don’t fail to mummy shake, sweep, and mow. • Don’t mow too fast – destroy every mummy. If you’re not sure, get off the tractor and check how well the mower is shredding the mummies. • Don’t fail to get good coverage, especially the treetops – 2.0 to 2.5 mph – and remember, tree varieties vary in height. May need to recalibrate your sprayer. • Don’t fail to calibrate. • Don’t be late. • Don’t take too long to cover the orchard – complete the job in five days or less. • Don’t spray every other row – it does not work! Fuming materials are gone. All materials are contact chemicals now. Coverage is key! Be alert to other sources of crop compromising contamination, including chemical odors that could be picked up by the kernels, such as sulfur, organic matter of any kind, soil amendments that could get into the crop, trailer contamination, wildlife droppings and carcasses, and critically, peanuts – do not allow any peanuts in or near your orchard or delivery. Also, be alert of pieces of metal, glass, bubble gum, and other debris that could be in the orchard or delivery. Attention to detail goes a long way towards higher grades and more money in your pocket. Back to Your Roots 1-800-288-8128 • www.tgschmeiser.com Better Root Zone Management from The twin ripper is equipped with patented vibrating winged shanks. Soil structure breakout is unmatched by any conventional ripper. Using the new Mid-Row Ripper from Schmeiser “Its the new best way for planting orchards and vineyards, period.” - John Duarte of Duarte Nursery Manage your Root Zone using the new Mid-Row Ripper. · 4X Better Soil Breakout · Water Savings and Enhanced Drainage · Superior Mixing of Amendments in the Root Zone 2 9 N O V E M B E R – D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9