Navel Orangeworm and Cover Crops Navel orangeworm is a pervasive pest in almond orchards and winter sanitation is a highly effective tool in managing this pest. Since both activities are conducted in October, conflict can arise between winter sanitation and cover crops if not planned for accordingly. There are several solutions for balancing cover crops with winter sanitation. Winter sanitation could be conducted before or shortly after planting the cover crop before the seeds sprout. Additionally, some growers elect to plant every other row of their orchard so that there is a clear row to blow and destroy mummy nuts or conduct other management activities. In a research article titled “Developing cover crop systems for California almonds: Current knowledge and uncertainties,” published in 2023, it was shown that cover crops can be used to help suppress Navel orangeworm. It is believed that cover crops can speed decomposition of fallen mummy nuts by maintaining humid conditions on the orchard floor or even hiding nuts from egg laying moths. However, it is important to note that cover crops are not a replacement for winter sanitation but can work synergistically with the practice. Apply now! Seeds for Bees and Project Apis m . The Seeds for Bees program is a California based opportunity that was founded to supply farmers with free or subsidized cover crop seed for both honeybee and soil health. Successful first year applicants can receive up to $2,500 in free seed and second year applicants can receive up to $1,500 in seed. After the first two years, returning applicants get their seed at wholesale prices with free shipping. The application process is simple and does not require any additional documents. Access the application page on our Project Apis m . website: projectapism.org or scan the QR code at the top of this page.
Fan-Jet Microsprinklers ®
Add a line of Fan-Jets ® Precision Rain - Rain when you want it, where you want it. Frost Protection - Fan-Jets can help provide frost protection by raising the ambient temperature by 2-3 degrees. Fan-Jets will allow you to push salts away from the root zone. Fan-Jets will help your pre-emergents penetrate the soil.
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Stetcyn Maldonado, Climate Smart Habitat Manager, Project Apis m .
Quality & Trust Since 1974 Quality & Trust Since 1974
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MAY–JUNE 2023
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