For Immediate Release

Dec. 3, 1999

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

Mllooker@ainet.com

Dormant Pest Management Meeting set for Central San Joaquin Valley almond growers

(Modesto, CA) - - Central San Joaquin Valley almond growers are invited to attend a Wednesday, Dec. 15 meeting designed to highlight ongoing research work into a reduced risk system of almond production.

The meeting at the Garber Farms orchard, 7848 Shackelford Road, Modesto, 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:

• "Results and Discussion of Statewide Field Trials Testing ‘Standard’ vs. ‘Softer’ Pest Management Programs" by Roger Duncan, Farm Advisor, UCCE, Stanislaus County.
• "Managing Ants: Evaluation of New Materials" by Lonnie Hendricks, Farm Advisor, UCCE, Merced County.
• "Guidelines on Webspinning and European Red Mite Management" by Walt Bentley, Entomology IPM Advisor, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier.
• "Winter Sanitation for Naval Orangeworm Control" by Walt Bentley.
• "Economic Analysis of Dormant Spray Alternatives," by UC Statewide IPM Project.
• "Update on Status of Organophosphate Insecticide Use in Almonds" by Kevin Wright, Deputy Agricultural Commissioner, Stanislaus County.

Lunch will be served. Reservations can be made to Gina in the UCCE office at (209) 525-6800.

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) 549-8262 ext. 108.

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