2008 Almond Almanac - Almond Board of California

Production ResearchThe Production Research Committee oversees AlmondBoard-funded agricultural research. Started in 1973 toaddress navel orangeworm, the program has expandedsubstantially. The long-term effort has increased productionefficiency, improved quality, and developed environmentallyresponsible orchard and pest management practices.2008 Production Research HighlightsHorticulture: Balancing production efficiency andenvironmental stewardship, projects on tree nutritionconstitute an interdisciplinary approach being co-fundedwith the Environmental Committee. A nutrient budget approachthat will guide nutrition decisions throughout the growing20Numberof Projects2007–2008 2008–2009*BudgetNumberof ProjectsBudgetHorticulture 9 $219,189 12 $296,725Pollination 10 $185,678 8 $155,945Entomology 8 $206,186 9 $244,909Plant Pathology 9 $288,512 10 $271,630Subtotal 36 $899,565 39 $969,209NewOpportunities— $435 — $133,000 †Total — $900,000 — $1,102,209season is being developed. Also, these studies are conductingair and water monitoring in light of current regulatory concernsand doing this in a manner that represents our fertility practicesin a balanced fashion. Other priorities include breeding forself-compatible varieties to reduce reliance on honeybeesand addressing water shortages by updating and extendinginformation on irrigation management.Pollination: The Bee Task Force, a subcommittee, addressesbee health and transportation challenges and oversees AlmondBoard-funded pollination research. The focus of this research ishoneybee health and nutrition, including varroa mite control andColony Collapse Disorder. Research complements other efforts,including research funded by USDA and other private groups.Entomology: Research on monitoring, management,and control of insect pests: navel orangeworm, spider mites,peach twig borer, leaffooted bug, and ten-lined June beetle.The Almond Board’s participation in a USDA-ARS area-wideproject for orangeworm reflects current priorities: updatingguidelines on orchard sanitation; implementing pheromonemating disruption; and developing bio-rational insecticideoptions to replace older, broad-spectrum sprays.Plant Pathology: Research encompasses a wide rangeof diseases: alternaria leaf spot, scab, brown rot, shothole,anthracnose, lower limb dieback, band canker, almond leafscorch, and almond replant issues in light of soil fumigationrestrictions. Efforts include countering fungicide resistance todiseases through resistance management fungicide programsand registering fungicides with different modes of action.Another key effort is developing rapid identification of soilorganisms as a future diagnostic tool to monitor soil conditionsand determine best pest management practices for replant.*View the complete program at AlmondBoard.com, Almond Board Programs,Production Research. † Includes earmark projects for field-oriented aflatoxin research.