Almond Crop Progress Report 03.10.24
The transition from summer to autumn in California's Central Valley has maintained summer-like temperatures. Except for a brief cool spell in mid-month, when temperatures dropped into the mid-70s to low 80s due to a weakening low-pressure system, daily highs largely remained in the low to mid-90s, occasionally exceeding 100°F.
Harvesting operations in the Central Valley continued at a brisk pace throughout September. Early harvests of Nonpareil and Independence almond varieties are now complete, and growers have shifted focus to other varieties. The warm temperatures and low crop moisture levels have sped up the movement of in-hull almonds from orchards to huller/sheller facilities or stockpiles at record speeds. Kernel moisture levels have been as low as 2%, with most of the crop ranging from 3% to 4%, much lower than the typical 4.5% to 6.5%. These lower moisture levels have enabled faster processing, with many facilities achieving record daily production rates.
In many cases, growers are sending equipment straight back into the orchards to harvest pollinator varieties without waiting to irrigate. Those with drip irrigation systems can water their trees even while windrows of previously harvested almonds remain on the ground. However, orchards with broader irrigation systems must clear the crop before irrigating. Regardless of their system, growers are working quickly to water their trees post-harvest to prevent stress.
Pest Control
The third flight of Navel Orangeworm (NOW) at the end of August has caused significant problems, leading to unacceptably high almond reject rates once again this year. Both growers and observers point to economic pressures as a contributing factor, with some growers reducing costs by giving less attention to their orchards. Unfortunately, poorly managed orchards have become sources of infestation, spreading NOW to neighbouring orchards. Even growers who took thorough measures—such as orchard sanitation, mating disruption, and hull split treatments—are reporting considerable damage as NOW moths migrate from nearby orchards to mate and lay eggs.
Carpophilus beetles have been spotted across all growing regions, though their damage, with a few exceptions, has not reached concerning levels. The damage caused by this invasive beetle is relatively easy to identify in orchards or harvested almonds. The beetles leave behind a flour-like residue inside the shell, and heavily damaged kernels stand out clearly compared to those attacked by NOW.
Web-spinning spider mites have also been prevalent this year, causing defoliation in severely affected orchards. However, timely treatments and a resurgence of beneficial predatory insects have helped mitigate the worst infestations, preventing widespread defoliation for most growers.
Despite a brief cool spell, summer-like temperatures in California’s Central Valley have accelerated almond harvesting and processing, while pest issues, particularly from Navel Orangeworm, continue to challenge growers.