For Immediate Release

May 18, 2001

Pest Management Meeting set for Northern Sacramento Valley almond growers

(Chico, CA) - - Northern Sacramento Valley almond growers are invited to attend a Thursday, June 7 meeting designed to highlight ongoing research work into a reduced risk system of almond production.

The meeting at Bertagna orchard located on Crouch Avenue between Stevens and Cosby Avenues, Chico, Butte 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 11 a.m., features sessions on:

• "Orchard Pesticide and Runoff Issues" by Richard Price, Butte County Agricultural Commissioner
• "Using Local Weather Data, Insect Models and Traps" by Joe Connell, Farm Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension, Butte County.
• "PMA Orchard Management Practices" by Nick Bertagna, PMA partner.
• "Experience with ‘Soft’ Pest Management" by Richard Gregor, BioScope, Hughson.
• "Mite Management" by Carolyn Pickel, Area IPM Advisor, Sacramento Valley.
• "Control Irrigation Costs through Scheduling and Regulated Defecit Irrigation" by Terry Prichard, Irrigation Specialist, UC Davis.

Two hours of continuing education credit for Pest Control Advisers have been requested.

The Butte County PMA project is one of three projects funded by the grant. The other demonstration orchards are located in Stanislaus 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