LINDEN, Calif. — The overarching goal of CAFF’s Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) in walnuts project is to increase the knowledge and adoption of alternative management practices that would allow reduced pesticide use and maintain walnut yield and quality of walnuts. With BIOS we will highlight the importance of monitoring, the use of UC IPM guidelines, farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing, and the economics of these alternative approaches.
To learn more about these practices, join Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) for a Field Day 7:30 AM on August 27th at Anderson-Barngrover Ranch, 14290 E. Comstock Rd., Linden, CA.
One management function we are focusing on is mating disruption for management of Codling moth and Navel Orangeworm. Previous work has demonstrated that mating disruption is an effective tool to manage Codling Moth and Navel Orangeworm in nut systems. However, several growers are interested in but have not yet tried mating disruption. We hope to provide an opportunity for these growers to test out mating disruption on their farms and provide assistance in understanding the effectiveness and economic feasibility of using mating disruption.
The second management function we are looking at is the use of biological control practices including cover crops and the release of predatory mites to manage web-spinning spider mites. Cover crops provide pollen and habitat that can increase densities of several predators, such as big-eyed bugs and minute pirate bugs. Augmentative releases of predatory mites could further reduce mite densities. The effects of cover crops and release of predatory mites has not been examined thoroughly in walnut systems. If effective, then this approach could be used as a sustainable alternative practice to manage spider mites in walnuts.
For our work in mating disruption we have continued to collect data on Codling moth and navel orangeworm numbers in traps, number of dropped nuts, nuts in the tree infested with moth larvae, and costs associated with the use of mating disruption compared to the standard management approach on each farm.
For our second project, we established mixed cover crop plantings and released predatory mite species (Galendromus occidentalis and Neoseiulus californicus) into orchards and are sampling spider mites and their predators using sticky cards and leaf samples.
Scheduled field days are critical for highlighting the work of this program. Field days provide an opportunity for collaborating growers to share their experiences and knowledge while demonstrating how these practices work in the field. These events also bring together growers and extension professionals in order to share and discuss challenges, research and best practices for integrated pest management. We believe that when growers get a chance to meaningfully engage with the practical and applied aspects of these practices, they will have more success in adapting these practices on their farms. Knowing this information will increase the tools available for farmers to address pest management challenges on their farms.
Friday, August 27
Location: Anderson-Barngrover Ranch,
14290 E. Comstock Rd., Linden, CA
Register at: https://bit.ly/3jq4LSk
7:30-8:00AM: Coffee and meet and greet
8:00-9:00AM: Presentations and discussion on BIOS past and present
9:00-10:00AM: Demonstration booths and networking
Speakers/Panelists:
Dave Taylor, Grower, Anderson-Barngrover Ranch Co.
Bob Bugg, Consulting Biologist
Jeannine Lowrimore, Pest Control Advisor
Hanna Kahl, Ecological Pest Management Specialist, CAFF
–Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF)
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