Internal Kernel Discoloration (IKD) is a recent cosmetic concern discovered in the Golden and Lost Hills varieties of pistachios, which now make up about half of the total planted acreage of California pistachios.  While IKD is only noticeable inside the kernel and does not alter the flavor of the nut and is of no food safety concern, USDA Specialty Crops …

Most tree nut growers have heard about the sterile insect technique research underway to combat Navel Orangeworm, the number one pest threat to almond and pistachio growers.  But what is the progress on this program and how soon can we expect to see these sterile insects released on a large scale to support California growers?  Watch this brief interview with …

Are you not seeing the results you expected in your latest fungicide/insecticide application? Watch this brief interview with Peter Ako Larbi from the UC Cooperative Extension who shares several considerations on how growers can improve their pesticide spray coverage in their orchard or vineyard.

Gill’s Mealybug was an unusually difficult problem for many pistachio growers last year. Watch this brief interview with David Haviland to learn what growers can do right now to get these pests under control and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

Pistachio growers have more options today when it comes to varieties and rootstocks to plant with. Watch this brief interview with UCCE Farm Advisor Elizabeth Fichtner as she shares some of the characteristics of rootstocks currently available to growers and some of the pros and cons to planting on a seedling vs. clone. Read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

So how bad can Navel Orangeworm damage get in our tree nut orchards? Hopefully we won’t have to find out this season, as growers are equipped with more tools and practices to control the pest. Watch this brief interview with Research Entomologist Joel Siegel as he shares some evolving trends in pest pressure across the state, and read more about …