Aphid control, pruning options for dried plum growers
On a bright September 2004 morning, over 30 dried plum (prune) farmers and agricultural researchers and consultants gathered at a Yuba City orchard to discuss how to prepare for next year’s crop. This field meeting, conducted as part of the Integrated Prune Farming Practices BIFS project and UC SAREP’s “Buy California Initiative” BIFS Outreach project, highlighted several orchard management practices that may offer farmers a way to reduce costs while protecting the environment.
UC farm advisor Franz Niederholzer (center) and growers participate in dried plum (prune) field day in Yuba City orchard. (photo by Fred Thomas)
UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor Franz Niederholzer began the field meeting describing alternative aphid control options that dried plum growers may want to try. Recent UC field trials have shown that aphids in dried plums may be controlled using reduced rates of pesticides and spraying in early November, potentially reducing pesticide runoff into rivers and streams. Niederholzer recommended that farmers base their dormant spray decisions on orchard pest history and the results of monitoring spur samples. [More information on alternative rates and timing of dormant spray is available in the October 2004 IPFP Newsletter at www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/BIFS/IPFPnews.htm; information on dormant spur monitoring is available in the Integrated Prune Farming Practices Decision Guide (see Resources).]
UC Cooperative Extension pomologist Steve Southwick demonstrated tree pruning using a Maibo set of hand-held power pruning tools that are faster and easier to use than manual pruning tools. Pruning can be used to invigorate older trees; alternatively, spring and summer pruning can slow down new growth and reduce future pruning costs.
Chico dried plum farmer Dick Jacobs shared his experience planting cover crops in dried plums, pointing out advantages such as providing nitrogen that is readily available to trees, preventing pesticide runoff, and reducing dust.
Niederholzer closed the meeting with the reminder that farmers need to look at their whole farming system as they consider incorporating some of these alternative practices.
More information about UC SAREP’s BIFS program and the “Buy California Initiative” project is available at: www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/BIFS/.
