For Immediate Release
May 6, 1999
Contact: Mark Looker (209) 549-8262 x 108
Spring Field Day set for Southern San Joaquin Valley almond growers
(Bakersfield, CA) - - Southern San Joaquin Valley almond growers are invited to attend a May 12 field day designed to highlight ongoing research work into a reduced risk system of almond production.
The field day at the Pond Road almond orchard, Bakersfield, 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 $99,000 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 field day features sessions on Peach Twig Borer emergence, monitoring for ants, San Jose Scale and Navel Orange Worm and a discussion of mites and water stress. (A complete agenda is attached)
The session begins at 8 a.m. at the orchard, located near the intersection of Pond Road and Magnolia. Local farm advisor Mario Viveros will provide an overview of the PMA project and discuss the practices used at the local orchard.
Lunch will be served. Reservations can be made to the UCCE office at (661) 868-6200.
The Kern County PMA project is one of three projects funded by the grant. The other demonstration orchards are located in Stanislaus and Butte counties. PMA partners include the Almond Board of California, the Almond Hullers and Processors Association, the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, and the Community Alliance with Family Farmers.
Further information about the PMA project is available from PMA Project Administrator Mark Looker at (209) 549-8262 ext. 108.
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