Almond trees are collapsing all over the California, and it’s not just an old age thing anymore. If you are experiencing this in your orchard, your trees may have Ganoderma Heart Rot. Watch this brief interview with UCCE Nut Crops Advisor Mae Culumber as she explains, based on her recent presentation at the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.
Ganoderma butt rot has been an increasing problem in the almond industry. The disease has been responsible for trees falling over all throughout the Central Valley. Ganoderma butt rot is caused by wood decay fungi that can spread via spores in the air. In order to better focus our management efforts, researchers must conduct a spore survey that will help us determine the times and locations that are at greatest risk of infection and spread by spores.
The survey will include collecting air samples at almond orchards once a month for 2 years, so it will require long-term cooperation, but will be non-invasive and will not interfere with management practices. Any almond growers interested in volunteering their orchards (any age orchard works) for the research conducted by UC Davis plant pathologists, please contact Daisy Hernandez.
Thank you all for your time and help.