Efficient almond production depends not only on climate and inputs but also on proactive, season-based pest, disease, and weed control. This guide presents a comprehensive year-round IPM (Integrated Pest Management) approach, focused on optimizing crop health and reducing resistance through proper timing, targeted interventions, and active ingredient selection.
Dormant to Delayed Dormancy (Winter – Early Spring)
Why This Stage Matters
Dormancy is the foundation of season-long control. Many overwintering pests and fungal pathogens can be suppressed during this quiet period, significantly reducing in-season outbreaks.
Key Practices
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Spur Sampling: Collect dormant spur wood to assess scale insects, San Jose scale, and peach twig borer presence.
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Mummy Nut Removal: Eliminate overwintering sites for navel orangeworm and brown rot.
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Fungicide Applications: Pre-bloom sprays target early fungal activity.
Recommended Active Ingredients
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Horticultural Oils: Smother overwintering scales and mites.
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Copper: Broad-spectrum protection against shot hole and bacterial canker.
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Chlorothalonil or Ziram: Preventative fungicidal coverage in high-pressure regions.
Bloom to Post-Bloom (February – March)
Why This Stage Matters
Almond blossoms are vulnerable to brown rot, blossom blight, and rain-induced fungal invasion. Bee activity necessitates low-toxicity, bee-safe measures.
Key Practices
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Apply fungicides before forecasted rain events.
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Avoid products harmful to pollinators; choose short-residual formulas.
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Monitor peach twig borer emergence.
Recommended Active Ingredients
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Propiconazole, Iprodione: Effective against brown rot and blight.
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Bio-fungicides (e.g., Bacillus-based strains): Safer options for bloom-phase use.
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Methoxyfenozide: Target peach twig borer larvae post-bloom.
Fruit Development (Late April – Hull Split)
Why This Stage Matters
This is the critical window for navel orangeworm, mite pressure, and late-season fungal threats.
Key Practices
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Hull Split Monitoring: Use pheromone traps for navel orangeworm timing.
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Conduct leaf and mite counts; apply miticides as thresholds are reached.
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Early weed pressure should be reassessed and managed.
Recommended Active Ingredients
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Chlorantraniliprole, Spinetoram: Effective against navel orangeworm larvae.
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Bifenazate, Abamectin: Target spider mite populations.
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Azoxystrobin, Fluxapyroxad: Effective against rust and leaf spot pathogens.
Harvest Period (Late July – September)
Why This Stage Matters
Ant populations become a serious quality concern during harvest. Late-season fungal infections and physical fruit damage must be minimized.
Key Practices
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Monitor ant populations; treat where economic thresholds are exceeded.
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Collect nut samples to assess pest injury.
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Maintain harvest hygiene and avoid insecticide use near harvest dates unless permitted.
Recommended Active Ingredients
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Chlorpyrifos (restricted in some regions) or Fipronil: For ant control (if allowed).
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Potassium bicarbonate: Can be used as a late-season non-residual fungicide.
Postharvest (October – November)
Why This Stage Matters
Postharvest is the ideal time to reduce next year’s pest and disease load. Many interventions are preventive and reduce pressure going into dormancy.
Key Practices
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Remove and destroy mummy nuts.
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Conduct weed surveys and apply fall herbicides as needed.
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Deep tilling may disrupt soilborne pathogens and overwintering insect pupae.
Recommended Active Ingredients
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Pendimethalin, Oxyfluorfen: Pre-emergent herbicides against winter annuals.
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Fluopyram, Fosetyl-Al: Treat residual root rot and Phytophthora risks.
Invertebrate Pest Monitoring and Control
Target Pests
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Navel Orangeworm: Pheromone traps and mummy nut reduction are essential.
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Spider Mites: Monitor thresholds and apply miticides accordingly.
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Peach Twig Borer, San Jose Scale: Controlled early via dormant sprays and post-bloom treatment.
IPM Monitoring Tools
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Sticky cards, pheromone traps, leaf sampling, and spur dissection
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Decision thresholds for treatment minimize unnecessary applications
Disease Management Overview
Common Diseases
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Brown Rot, Anthracnose, Rust, Scab, Hull Rot
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Optimal treatment timing is before symptom expression and in wet conditions.
Active Ingredient Guidance
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QoI + DMI combinations (e.g., pyraclostrobin + difenoconazole): Provide broad-spectrum activity and resistance rotation.
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Copper compounds: For bacterial and fungal dual action, especially in early stages.
Weed Management Strategy
Key Points
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Conduct surveys twice annually (mid-season and postharvest).
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Use integrated tools: chemical, cultural, and mechanical.
Herbicide Classes
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Pre-emergents: Pendimethalin, Flumioxazin
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Post-emergents: Glyphosate (restricted), Glufosinate, Rimsulfuron
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Organic Solutions: Vinegar-based or pelargonic acid for certified operations
Pollinator and Natural Enemy Considerations
When choosing products, select those with minimal impact on:
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Bees during bloom
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Predatory mites, lacewings, parasitic wasps
Reference insecticide MOA and selective profiles to preserve beneficials.
Conclusion: Optimizing Almond Production Through IPM Discipline
By integrating seasonally timed pest, weed, and disease controls with the appropriate use of active ingredients, almond growers and distributors can maximize yield, meet regulatory expectations, and reduce long-term resistance risks. Whether you’re advising clients or managing your own orchard, aligning with IPM principles ensures sustainable productivity and cleaner harvests.
Post time: Jun-04-2025
