Pest Management Meeting set for Central San Joaquin Valley almond growers

(Modesto, CA) - - Central San Joaquin Valley almond growers are invited to attend a Thursday, May 10 meeting designed to highlight ongoing research work into a reduced risk system of almond production.

The meeting at an almond orchard located at 19345 Lake Road, Hickman, Stanislaus County, 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 8:30 a.m. until 12 noon, features sessions on:

·        “A Comparison of Almond Pest Management Strategies Using ‘Reduced Risk’ Materials Halfway Through a Five Year Study” by Roger Duncan, UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor, Stanislaus County.

·        “Oblique Banded Leaf Roller: An Emerging Pest in Almonds?” by Walt Bentley, IPM entomologist, UC Kearney Agricultural Center.

·        “Results of Local OBLR Trials,” by Lonnie Hendricks, Frank Zalom and Roger Duncan, UC Cooperative Extension.

·        “Regulatory Issues Surrounding the Use of Organophosphate Insecticides and Reducing Run-off from Dormant Sprays” by Frank Zalom, Director, UC Integrated Pest Management Statewide Program.

·        “Effective Strategies for Integrating Bt into Your Pest Management Program” by Frank Zalom, Director, UC Integrated Pest Management Statewide Program.

·        “Demonstration of the Rodex 4000 for Controlling Ground Squirrels and Gophers.

Three hours of continuing education credit for Pest Control Advisers will be offered.

The Stanislaus County PMA project is one of three projects funded by the grant. The other demonstration orchards are located in 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 or email mllooker@ainet.com