USDA-NIFA’s Emergency Citrus Disease Research & Extension (ECDRE) program brings the nation’s top scientists together with citrus industry representatives to find scientifically sound solutions that combat and prevent citrus greening (HLB)​ at the farm-level. For the first time in the program’s history, NIFA is supporting an HLB-focused Coordination Network (CN) Project led by an interdisciplinary team of scientists representing all three major citrus producing …

To ensure California citrus growers are well prepared in the event of a potential commercial grove detection of Huanglongbing (HLB), the deadly citrus plant disease that can be spread by the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Program (CPDPP) has developed a response guide for growers to utilize and educate themselves on the California Department of Food and …

Ken Melban, who joined the California Avocado Commission (CAC) in 2011 as director, issues management, has been promoted to vice president of industry affairs and operations. He has served as CAC’s vice president, industry affairs since 2015. In his new role, he will continue to lead the Commission’s industry affairs programs and take on the financial and administrative operations of …

A foul-smelling, voracious, wide-spread pest of fresh fruits and tree nuts could become even more ubiquitous with climate change. A recent modelling study found that changing weather could increase suitable habitat for the brown marmorated stink bug in the United States by 70%. The study, published in Pest Management Science, draws on data from a three-year stink bug monitoring effort in …

The UC Cooperative Extension is hosting an in-person Organic Agriculture Workshop on December 8 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The workshop is designed for growers, CCAs, PCAs and other agricultural professionals interested in organic agriculture. The session will cover regulations, assistance programs, fertilization, irrigation, and managing pests, diseases and weeds. The workshop will discuss the specifics of organic production as …

The U.S. Blueberry Council (USHBC) has released its 2021 Impact Report that details last year’s efforts across all program areas in working toward the USHBC’s vision to make blueberries the world’s favorite fruit. Guided by the 2021-2025 strategic plan, USHBC recaps 2021 progress and achievements in consumer promotions, health research, foodservice, industry relations, export and food manufacturing, and annual meetings …

The San Joaquin Valley Avocado Meeting, which will occur on December 5, will feature a variety of guest speakers and visits to two local GEM avocado groves. The meeting will take place from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the UC Lindcove Research and Extension Center located at 22963 Carson Avenue, Exeter, California. The meeting will include the following: A presentation …

Upon the recommendation of the Citrus Research Board (Board), the California Department of Food and Agriculture (Department) has established an assessment rate to be levied on California citrus producers during the 2022-2023 marketing season, which is the period of October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023. The assessment rate for the 2022-2023 marketing season has been set at three and …

The California Avocado Society’s Annual Meeting will take place in person on Thursday, November 3 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and feature a keynote speaker and three presentations. The event will include the following: Bob Lucy, Keynote Speaker — The Past, Present and Future of California Avocados Brad Adams, Irrometer Co. — Why Not Ask the Tree How Much Water is Needed with Root …