Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Tag: Pacific Nut Producer

  • September Orchard Tasks – Pistachios

    Pistachio harvest ended earlier than usual this year, but growers should not stop irrigating their orchards just yet. The early finish creates a longer post-harvest period before trees enter dormancy, making proper irrigation especially important.

    Research by Daniele Zaccaria, Mae Culumber and Anderson Safre of the University of California Cooperative Extension indicates that pistachio trees continue using water after the nuts have been removed. Although harvest is complete, evapotranspiration—the loss of water from the soil and through the trees’ leaves—continues until the trees become dormant.

    Because the post-harvest season will be longer this year, growers should continue monitoring their orchards’ water needs. Stopping irrigation too soon could place unnecessary stress on trees as they prepare for next season.

    However, the researchers suggest growers may be able to conserve water through carefully timed deficit irrigation. This practice involves applying less water than the orchard would normally use during selected periods. When managed properly, deficit irrigation may reduce water use by about 20% with little to no effect on the following year’s harvest.

    The key is timing. Growers should consider orchard conditions, soil moisture and the trees’ water needs before reducing irrigation. An early harvest does not mean water use has ended, and post-harvest management can play an important role in supporting the next crop.

    Read more about the research in the September issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • September Orchard Tasks – Almonds

    Although almond harvest may be wrapping up, the work needed to prepare orchards for next season has already begun. Post-harvest priorities include monitoring for disease, irrigating trees, pruning and managing pests.

    Brent Holtz with the University of California Cooperative Extension advises growers to watch for red leaf blotch and rust. Bright orange spots on leaves may indicate red leaf blotch, while orange and black spores can be signs of rust. This year’s warm March appears to have increased the severity of rust, making it important to avoid irrigation practices that keep orchards humid for extended periods.

    However, growers should not stop irrigating altogether. Water should be applied as soon as the harvested nuts are removed from the orchard floor. Dr. David Goldhamer, emeritus irrigation specialist with UC Davis, says almond trees can use up to 11 acre-inches of water after harvest if their leaves remain active. Proper post-harvest irrigation can also help move salt below the trees’ root zone.

    Growers can also begin pruning mature orchards immediately after harvest instead of waiting until dormancy. Pruning early gives wounds time to heal before rainfall, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. While studies indicate pruning does not significantly improve almond yields, it remains necessary to provide enough space for orchard equipment to pass between trees.

    Fall is also a good time to manage gophers, ground squirrels and mice. Baiting or fumigation can help control ground squirrels before they enter hibernation. Growers should also look for pieces of almond shells left in tree crotches, which may indicate mouse activity.

    For more information about post-harvest almond orchard management, read the full article in the September issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • California Growers Have a New Enemy That’s Spreading Fast

    Golden Mussels have been a silent threat California growers since they arrived in the Delta in 2024. These mollusks reproduce at an alarming rate and don’t require saltwater, meaning they are now clogging up irrigation systems and depriving crops of an already scarce water supply. Jason McKee from Greenleaf Ag spoke with Matthew Malcolm from Malcolm Media Ag Publishing to discuss this latest threat to orchards. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • How Pistachios Created a New Word in Mexico

    American Pistachio Growers is marketing at the international level, and it’s bearing fruit across the globe. This includes Mexico, where excitement over pistachios resulted in a new word in the country’s vocabulary. Ines Masallach from Imalinx spoke with Matthew Malcolm about how American pistachios have exploded onto the Mexican market. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • New Products Being Developed to Sell Oregon Hazelnuts

    George Packing Company is looking at new products, from spreads to confectioneries, to market and sell Oregon hazelnuts. These efforts are enabling consumers to enjoy hazelnuts in ways not previously imagined. Northwest Hazelnut Company Sales Director Aaron McGraw spoke with Matthew Malcolm from Pacific Nut Producer about some of the latest goods coming out of R&D. Watch this quick video and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor George Packing Company for their industry support.

  • 2026 Pistachio Week Kicks Off August 10th

    Pistachio Week is returning for its fifth year. Restaurants across California are creating new dishes to showcase American-grown pistachios with everything from desserts, to drinks and main entrees. Hannah Young of American Pistachio Growers spoke with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network to talk about the event and some of the creations that will be available. Watch this quick video and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Mike Forbes Named Next CEO of American Pistachio Growers

    Mike Forbes will take over as CEO of American Pistachio Growers on Sept. 1, bringing over 20 years of experience in the food, ag and health and wellness industries. Forbes spoke with Matthew Malcolm at the 2026 APG Pistachio Industry Insights Day in Visalia to talk more about his incoming role with promoting American-grown pistachios. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Research Shows Benefits of Flowering Hedgerows for Hazelnut Orchards

    Monocultures can lead to the displacement of native plant life, but many growers and researchers are finding a benefit in planting flowering hedgerows in orchards. This includes attracting predatory insects and pollinators. Heather Andrews, a faculty research assistant with Oregon State University, spoke with Matthew Malcolm from Pacific Nut Producer about how these hedgerows are helping hazelnut growers in the Willamette Valley. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor George Packing Company for their industry support.

  • Market Growing for Organic Pistachios

    The conversion to organic can take three to four years for pistachio growers, but it has significant potential as the market grows. Leading these efforts is Setton Farms, the largest producer of organic pistachios in America. Setton COO Mia Cohen recently spoke with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network to discuss the recent trends in marketing and the industry. Watch this quick video and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Shifting Economic Factors Impact Almond Growers

    The changing economic landscape is affecting growers across the board, and almonds are no exception. Factors like inflation are having an impact on orchards and are pushing back growers’ break-even years after planting. Matthew Malcolm with California Ag Network spoke recently with Matt Woolf of Terrain Ag to discuss the changing economics of almond growing. Watch this quick video and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.