FIELD NOTES with MEL MACHADO
Nut Set Per Tree Objective estimates require that a sample be taken. The USDA physically counts the nuts on approximately 1,800 trees. The number of trees of each variety group included in the sample should reasonably match the percentage of the acreage of that variety group. In other words, if 10% of the Nonpareil acreage is in a particular county, 10% of the trees in the sample should come from that county. The age of the trees is also a consideration. To determine the number of nuts per tree, the USDA counts the nuts observed along a random path through each tree. The path is determined by the number of branches within the tree and the circumference of each branch. Two terminal branches are counted within each tree. The illustration above shows an example of a potential path through one tree. Using statistical modeling, the programming used by the USDA takes into consideration the number of branches within the tree, the circumference of the branches and the number of nuts along the path to estimate the number of nuts within the tree. Along the path, every fifth nut and all of the nuts along the terminal, or last stage, is harvested. These nuts are taken to a lab where they are measured and weighed.
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ALMOND FACTS
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