For Immediate Release: May 21, 2002

Contact: Mark Looker (209) 604-9709 mllooker@ainet.com

Almond Pest and Disease Management Research Discussion Set for Chico Field Day May 29

(Chico) – Effective management strategies utilizing the lessons learned from an ongoing reduced-risk research and demonstration project for almond growers in the northern Sacramento Valley will be discussed Wednesday, May 29, at a field day in Chico sponsored by the University of California Cooperative Extension and the almond Pest Management Alliance.

The field day will be held in the Bertagna orchard located on Crouch Ave., between Stevens and Cosby avenues. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The field day runs from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Topics include:

• “Local Orchard Regulatory Issues Update” by Richard Price, Butte County Agricultural Commissioner.
• “Evaluating Causes of Defoliation, Pest or Disease Water Stress vs. Nut Growth and Bud Development” by Joe Connell, UCCE Farm Advisor, Butte County.
• “PMA Orchard Monitoring and Degree-Day Pest Projections” by Sara Smith, PMA Field Scout, and Carolyn Pickel, UCCE Area IPM Advisor, Sacramento Valley.
• “Identification and Control Strategies for Ants” by Richard Coviello, UCCE Entomologist, Fresno County.
• “Deciding If, When and How to Treat for Mites” by Walt Bentley, UCCE IPM Specialist, UC Kearney Agricultural Center.

The PMA is a cooperative project funded by a grant from the state Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to study a reduced risk system of almond production through use of alternative products and practices, on-site demonstrations and grower education. The Butte County PMA project is one of three projects funded by the grant. The other demonstration orchards are located in Kern and Stanislaus counties. PMA partners include the Almond Board of California, the Almond Hullers and Processors Association, the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, the Community Alliance with Family Farmers and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.

Further information about the PMA project is available from PMA Project Administrator Mark Looker at (209) 575-2094.

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