Western Growers (WG) is spearheading a Global Harvest Automation Initiative (GHAI) to accelerate harvest automation across the fresh produce industry, with a goal of automating 50 percent of harvest within 10 years. “For well over a decade, our members have struggled with a dwindling number of available workers. If we don’t come together as an industry to quickly and efficiently …

The rhizosphere, defined as the soil environment that surrounds the plant roots, is a rich and diverse habitat for microbes. Some members of the rhizosphere microbiome (or collection of microbes), are good, others bad while many are just there and don’t provide any benefits or harm to the host. One function of the good microbes in the rhizosphere is to …

Researchers at the California Data Analysis and Tactical Operations Center (DATOC) have analyzed Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) trapping data along major transportation routes before and after tarping regulations for bulk citrus shipments were enacted. The purpose was to determine the effectiveness of the policy. DATOC is an independent group of scientists sponsored by the Citrus Research Board and the California …

Yesterday, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation and California Department of Food and Agriculture launched a broad new work group to accelerate the systemwide adoption of safer, sustainable pest control practices. The 25-member Sustainable Pest Management Work Group includes farmers, community members, university researchers and representatives from commodity groups and the pesticide industry. They are charged with identifying pathways to …

The March 2020-21 Valencia orange forecast is 20.0 million cartons. This forecast was based on the results of the 2020-21 Valencia Orange Objective Measurement (O.M.) Survey, which was conducted from January 11 to February 28, 2021. Estimated fruit set per tree, fruit diameter, trees per acre, bearing acreage, and oranges per carton were used in the statistical models estimating production. …

As part of the California Prune industry’s long-time commitment to world-class nutrition research, a new, peer-reviewed animal study shows a diet high in California Prunes completely prevents bone loss associated with spinal cord injury (SCI), while also restoring a fraction of the bone lost after SCI. Individuals who suffer spinal cord injury (SCI) are prone to extremely rapid bone loss. …

Reliable and valid information about plant water status is a critical input variable for optimizing citrus orchard growth. Precisely managing citrus water stress during all phenological stages enables maximized production by: avoiding drought stress during flowering and fruit sets; achieving appropriate sugar levels; and maintaining fruit quality by, for example, avoiding peel creasing for example. Controlled water status can best be …

New research affirms a unique peptide found in an Australian plant can destroy the No. 1 killer of citrus trees worldwide and help prevent infection. Huanglongbing, HLB, or citrus greening has multiple names, but one ultimate result: bitter and worthless citrus fruits. It has wiped out citrus orchards across the globe, causing billions in annual production losses. All commercially important …

California Avocado Commission — In spring, as California avocado trees begin to bloom, growers often report seeing yellow leaves at the ends of branches of otherwise healthy trees. Dr. Danny Klittich, of Redox, recently posted an online article about the yellowing of leaves in spring, what this indicates, and what growers can do to remedy the situation. When avocado trees begin producing …

California Avocado Commission — When it comes to potential wind damage, California avocado growers typically face two different scenarios: chronic wind exposure or severe wind events. Avocado trees housed in windy portions of a grove are often stunted and underperform production wise.  They also may be water stressed, which will impact the uptake of minerals, and their roots may be stressed …