Project Summary Form

1) Proposal Title

To Promote a Reduced Risk System of Almond Production Through Alternative Practices

2) Principal Investigator

Chris Heintz

3) Alternative Practices

Pheromone traps and degree-day models to time sprays.  Bt and insect growth regulators instead of OP pesticides.  Predatory mites and oil sprays instead of miticide sprays.  Cover crops planted to decrease runoff and increase water penetration.  Winter sanitation to reduce need to spray for navel orangeworm.

4) Summary of Project Successes

California almonds had largest pesticide reduction of all crops in 1999-2000.  the PMA has shown that growers can harvest economically successful crops with zero to one pesticide spray.  Less toxic fungicides used.

5) Number of Participating Growers: 3

6) Total Acreage in Project:  329

7) Project Acreage Under Reduced Risk:  160

8) Total Acres of Project Crop:  1410

9) Non-Project Reduced Risk Acres:  955

10) Number of Participating PCAs:  3

11) Cost Assessment

The average cost for the grower standard treatment blocks was $96/acre and the average costs for the reduced risk treatment blocks was $101.25/acre.  Similar costs, but no more damage seen to the crop in reduced risk.

12) Number of Field Days:  5

13) Attendance at Field Days:  about 200

14) Number of Workshops & Meetings:  2

15) Workshop Attendance: 123

16) Number of Newsletters:  2

17) Number of Articles:  7

18) Number of Presentations: 15, mostly by the Almond Board

19) Other Outreach Activities

Telephone and mail survey of almond growers to measure use of OP’s and pyrethroids.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Contract Number

 Project ID

DPR ID#

Contract Manager

 25th June 2001 Version