April 14,1999
By Peggy Schrader, Field Scout
Pest monitoring is in full swing. Biofix for San Jose Scale was set at 3/22/99. We are now in the process of putting out crawler tape for SJS.
Biofix for Peach Twig bore was 4/11/99. We plan to go out this month and count strikes.
Navel Orange worm traps are in place and we have been monitoring for presence/absence of mites. We have a planned release of predator mites later this month.
We have seen no evidence of disease problems at this time.
The barley cover is about 24 inches high and will be mowed at the end of the month before the plants have a chance to set seed heads. Flowers in the planted middles are becoming evident.
Ken Shackel is coming down next week to get us going on procedure for stem water potential using a pressure bomb. We will them be on a weekly schedule for monitoring plant water status.
We are anxiously planning our first field day at the orchard and look forward to seeing everyone there.