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| Protect Against Insect & Mite Damage |
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| Pruning Costs May Outweigh Benefits |
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Dormant Season Activities
The dormant season for California Almonds begins when leaves fall from the trees, around December 1, and ends when bud growth begins, around February 1, depending on region, weather and variety. Dormant season activities, particularly for pest management, are critical for the health of the orchard and next year’s crop.
During the dormant period, winter sanitation – the removal and destruction of mummy nuts that remain on the tree – to control navel orangeworm is paramount. Other pest management activities include oil sprays for pests such as scales and mites, and insecticide treatments for peach twig borer and oblique-banded leafroller.
Dormant trees, without leaves, allow for better coverage of oil and insecticide sprays. And applying during the dormant season, you are less likely to harm beneficial insects. Annual pruning also takes place while trees are dormant.
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Dormant spur sampling will help you monitor and assess the need for treating scale and mite populations.
