Sep 30, 2024Blue Diamond Growers shares almond harvest progressing rapidly despite pest challenges
The almond harvest across California’s Central Valley is moving quickly, driven by warm, dry conditions, according to the latest crop report from Blue Diamond Growers.
In an email from Mel Machado, vice president of member relations for Blue Diamond Growers, noted that despite a brief mid-September cooldown and scattered rain in the northern Sacramento Valley, daily highs remained mostly in the 90s, allowing harvest operations to proceed at a record pace.
“Growers are pushing through their orchards quickly, with in-hull almonds moving to the huller/shellers faster than normal due to low moisture levels,” said Machado in the crop report released on Sept. 30.
Moisture levels as low as 2% in some cases have helped accelerate the process, resulting in record production at many facilities.
Harvest of the Nonpareil and Independence varieties is largely complete, with growers now focused on pollinator varieties. Many are working without pausing for irrigation, though those with drip systems are able to water their trees while harvesting continues. Ensuring timely irrigation remains crucial to avoid stressing trees post-harvest.
However, pest pressure, particularly from navel orangeworm (NOW), is posing challenges.
“We’ve seen significant issues from the third NOW flight this year, leading to unacceptably high reject levels,” the report read.
While many growers have worked diligently to manage the pest, orchards with minimal care have served as sources of infestation for neighboring fields.
Additional pest concerns include elevated levels of brown spot, caused by stink bugs and leaf-footed plant bugs and the presence of Carpophilus beetles. Despite these challenges, post-harvest tasks are underway, with growers focusing on irrigation, orchard floor maintenance, and soil amendment applications.
The Blue Diamond Growers crop report also noted that cover crop planting is beginning to support honeybee health ahead of the 2025 bloom. For more information, visit bluediamondgrowers.com.
