WCN_Oct18_Final_e

The molds Asperigillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus produce aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2—with
B1 a strong carcinogenic and cancer risk. Photo courtesy of Themis Michailides, UC Davis plant
pathologist at Kearney Agriculture Center.
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Third-Party Harvest Grade Inspection Service
Now Available for Almonds & Walnuts
Open to Growers, PCAs, and Consultants
Continued from Page 13
addition, remember to keep
equipment clean and avoid
cross-contamination from
one orchard to another.
Harvest and Delivery
Guidelines
Critical care should be
taken during harvest to
avoid potential sources of
contamination or conditions
resulting in the development
of molds that lead to
aflatoxin.
If rain is forecast, don't
shake. After a rain, wet
nuts dry faster on the
tree than on the wet
orchard floor.
If rain is forecast and
nuts are harvested but
too wet to pick up,
blow them away from
the tree trunks but
don't windrow. Extra time should be given to ensure the nuts are
properly dried prior to sweeping up, and nuts should be turned to
allow proper drying.
Current research shows conditioning the crop even before rain
and under normal dry conditions facilitates drying. Conditioning
means the nuts are picked up, the leaves and dirt are blown out
and the nuts are dropped back on the orchard floor. Removing
leaves and other trash also helps the nuts dry faster.
Studies have found that conditioning works, before and after
rain, and in-and-of-itself to help dry the crop, and correct
drying always helps to reduce the risk of mold development and
aflatoxin.
SOURCES OF DAMAGE WE INSPECT FOR:
Navel Orangeworm (NOW), NOW Pinhole, Peach Twig Borer (PTB), Ant,
Bug, Bird, Rodent, Blanks, Hull Rot, Doubles, Stain, Gum, Shrivels
Track Changes from Year to Year and Over Many Years!
Compare Your Farm to the State and County Averages!
EVALUATE DECISIONS MADE REGARDING:
Hull Split Spray Timing, Product Efficacy,
Pest Identification, Fertilizer Program, and MORE!
Call or visit our website to learn more!
integralaginc.com (530)809-4249
©2018 Integral Ag Inc. All Rights reserved.
Don't forget harvest and transportation equipment at the time
of harvest. Growers and handlers need to clean and inspect their
equipment prior to use and between the harvest of early and late
varieties.
Stockpile Management
The growth of almond orchard acreage in the state has created
the need for stockpiling of harvested almonds as growers face
processing delays.
While stockpiling has its list of advantages, it has been shown,
according to the Almond Board, that certain conditions during
stockpiling can lead to concealed damage and Aspergillus mold
growth that can lead to aflatoxin.
Continued on Page 16
14
West Coast Nut October 2018