|
|
Almonds >
Year-Round IPM Program >
Fruit Development > Preparing the Orchard Floor Before Harvest
Almond
Preparing the Orchard Floor
Before Harvest
Preparing the orchard floor before harvest is important in an almond IPM program. Rapid and efficient
nut pick-up after tree shaking reduces the time the nuts are exposed to pests such as ants. Rapid pick-up and hulling
or on-farm fumigations, prevents damage by navel orangeworm and peach twig borer. The ground should be smooth, dry,
and free of weeds, ants, trash, and other debris. Orchards that
are regularly
cultivated should be disked to break up clods and then rolled to make the surface smooth and firm.
Take these actions before harvest:
- Flail-mow weeds growing in between the trees close to the ground so that they will sufficiently decompose
before harvest.
- Make sure your last preharvest irrigation takes place 1 to 4 weeks before harvest, depending on the soil texture
and depth.
-
Collect shaken nuts immediately after ground drying.
After harvest:
- Monitor for mummy nuts and remove from orchard if damaging levels exist.
|
