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Most of the state almond crop was still in bloom in early March, while some places in the west side of the San Joaquin Valley had finished. Some flowers were still coming, while other orchards were just starting petal fall. There was a really late, strung-out bloom due to the weather, and the bees didn’t have a lot of flight time between storms. Early on, growers were worried about brown rot. But it appears the weather wasn’t favorable for brown rot. Going into petal fall brings infections that cause jacket rot. This disease was ac- tive during the cool rains and, with the petals falling, it’s likely this disease will become more prevalent. Spray treatments are recommended. Because of the wet weather, aerial applica- tions have become the norm this season.
Aerial applications aren’t the most ideal method of treatment for jacket rot because it is difficult to get good coverage into the canopy. Jacket rot is problematic when weather conditions are right. The disease takes a few nuts here and there, but never more than 1% to 2% in worst-case scenarios. With a warm and wet weather pattern, increased problems with anthracnose are expected. This is the case with Monterey and Fritz varieties. Again, treatments will be aerial, which isn’t ideal. The rains have also resulted in flood- ing in some orchards. Standing water can cause the trees to asphyxiate. But usually the more acute problem is Phytophthora infections in the crown or roots. This can cause tree collapse after just 24 hours in standing water.
PEST CONTROL ADVISOR
How does wet weather impact the almond crop?
Justin Nay, Integral Ag Services, Durham
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April 12, 2023 Ag Alert 17
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