For Immediate Release

May 20, 1999

Contact: Mark Looker (209) 549-8262 x 108

Mllooker@ainet.com

Spring Field Day set for Central San Joaquin Valley almond growers

(Modesto, CA) - - Central San Joaquin Valley almond growers are invited to attend a Thursday, May 27 field day designed to highlight ongoing research work into dormant spray testing, pesticide runoff, ant control and insect monitoring.

The field day at the Arakelian Farms almond orchard, Peach Avenue, Livingston, 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 :

"Dormant Spray Tests and Insect Monitoring at Arakelian Farms" by Lonnie Hendricks, UCCE Advisor, Merced County.

"Pesticide Runoff Studies" by Frank Zalom, Director, UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Project.

"Research on Owl Nesting Boxes and Owl Feeding Habits" by Steve Simons, Merced High School Regional Occupation Program Instructor.

"Almond Disease Summary for 1999" by Roger Duncan, UCCE Farm Advisor, Stanislaus County.

"Ants in Almonds and 1999 Ant Control Projects" by Walt Bentley, Area IPM Advisor.

The session begins at 8:30 a.m. at the orchard, located near the intersection of Peach Avenue and Washington. Further information is available from UCCE Farm Advisor Lonnie Hendricks at (209) 385-7403 or PMA Project Administrator Mark Looker at (209) 549-8262 ext. 108.

PMA partners include the Almond Board of California, the Almond Hullers and Processors Association, the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Project, and the Community Alliance with Family Farmers.

-30-