For Immediate Release

Dec. 1, 2000

Contact: Mark Looker (209) 575-2094

Mllooker@ainet.com

Pest Management Meeting set for Central San Joaquin Valley almond growers

(Madera, CA) - - Central San Joaquin Valley almond growers are invited to attend a Thursday, Dec. 14 meeting designed to highlight ongoing research work into a reduced risk system of almond production.

The meeting at the Blanche Galloway Room, Madera County Library, 121 North G Street, Madera, is co-sponsored by the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) and the almond Pest Management Alliance (PMA.) 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 meeting, which runs from 8:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., features sessions on:

• "Fungicide Resistance Management in Almonds" by Brent Holtz, Pomology Farm Advisor, UCCE Madera.
• "Ant Trials in the San Joaquin Valley" by Lonnie Hendricks, Pomology Advisor, UCCE Merced.
• "Pest Management Alliance Update 2000" by Walt Bentley, IPM Advisor, Kearney Agricultural Center.
• "Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Establishment and Spread" by Walt Bentley, IPM Advisor, Kearney Agricultural Center.
• "Pruning out Almond Leaf Scorch Infections" by Brent Holtz, Pomology Farm Advisor, UCCE Madera.
• "Almond Bloom Disease Control" by Dr. Beth Teviotdale, Extension Plant Pathologist, Kearney Agricultural Center.

The PMA project consists of three demonstration orchards located in Stanislaus, Butte and Kern 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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