Apr 29, 2024Blue Diamond Growers releases April 29 Crop Progress Report
California’s Central Valley faced a month of climatic extremes, as reported in the latest almond Crop Progress Update from Blue Diamond Growers. Mel Machado, vice president of member relations for Blue Diamond Growers, provided the update.
Throughout April, fluctuating weather patterns challenged growers, with warm temperatures reaching the mid- to upper 80s, juxtaposed with heavy rain, mountain snowfall and even the threat of hail. Despite concerns, areas including Butte County experienced morning minimum temperatures in the lower 40s to 50s, conducive to almond cultivation, the report noted.
Blue Diamond’s update also emphasized that rainfall, ranging from half an inch to 2 inches, was recorded across the region, and hail in Colusa County early in the month caused minimal damage.
Machado also shared that this time period saw almond trees entering a critical phase of shedding non-viable nuts, influenced by factors such as crop load and weather conditions.
“Pest control advisors are reporting increasing activity in traps designed to monitor flights of adult navel orange worm moths. Observers have reported that many orchards are carrying excessive mummy loads and that the infestation rate within the mummies is also running quite high,” the report stated.
The report also indicated that stink bugs and leaffooted plant bugs have been observed and materials for their control may also be included in these treatments where warranted.
“Growers also worked around the rain events to mow excessive vegetation within the orchards and complete treatments to control the fungal diseases scab and leaf rust. These treatments must be completed prior to infection to be effective,” the report noted.
The full April 29 Blue Diamond Crop Progress Report was emailed out and is also available online.
