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Time To Consider Continued...Navel OrangewormThe 2012 crop generally was not extremely high in NavelOrangeworm (NOW) numbers, however, it was a littlebit puzzling and there were some train wrecks. Growerswho normally have relatively low numbers experiencedan unexpected spike in NOW percentages in someblocks or even appeared in various parts of the field. Lastwinter, it was fairly dry. In fact so dry that many growerswere not able to get the mummies off. Field observationscoming into bloom noted a fairly significant populationof mummy nuts in the trees. By the time some rain eventsoccurred, it was too late to mummy shake. And, the rainsand storms were not heavy enough to knock-off most ofthe mummies. This probably contributed to an elevatedNOW population.Fortunately, most growers experienced a fairly goodshake this year and there may not be a high mummypopulation. However, at this point, there is no reason tobelieve the NOW pressure will be any less for 2013 — atrend that may continue to amplify if we do not attemptto lower overall populations. The key this year, then, isTIME TO CONSIDER44 Almond Facts NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2012