Blue Diamond’s May 30 crop report indicates active pest issues

Mel Machado, vice president, member relations for Blue Diamond, released an email that discussed the latest updated in almond crops and detailed the findings from the Crop Progress Report – May 30, 2023.

Machado indicated that “growers and pest control advisors have noted evidence of plant bug species in the orchards.” The report detailed Leaf-footed plant bugs and Stink bugs that are feeding. The concern is early nut drop or Brown Spot impacting the crop.

Additionally, the report stated “high counts of Navel Orange Worm moths in pheromone traps placed within the orchards to monitor the insect’s life cycle” are being reported by growers and pest control advisors. The presence of the Navel Orange Worm moths was expected after the late winter weather impacts.

“In blocks large enough to be effective, growers employ pheromones to confuse the male moths, thus disrupting the insects mating and reducing the number of fertile eggs in the orchards,” noted Machado in the email. “Growers and their advisors will continue to monitor the traps for the next ‘flight.'”

Machado also shared that orchards are showing signs of nutrient deficiencies. For more information, read the full Blue Diamond Crop Progress Report – May 30, 2023.