ADVISER Magazine: December 2018 by CAPCA

ADVISER

DECEMBER 2018 | VOL . XXI, NO. 6

California Association of Pest Control Advisers www.capca.com

Now approved for aerial application.

Keep the beauty of almond bloom longer.

Extend bloom. Boost nut set. Extend your almond bloom with ReTain® Plant Growth Regulator for California. By reducing ethylene production, ReTain extends flower viability and increases nut set. Contact your PCA or visit valent.com/ReTainCA for more information.

Products That Work, From People Who Care ® | valent.com | 800-6-VALENT (682-5368) Always read and follow label instructions. Products That Work, From People Who Care is a registered trademark of Valent U.S.A. LLC. ReTain is a registered trademark of Valent BioSciences Corporation. ©2018 Valent U.S.A. LLC. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. AM1951

Cover Photo: Fred Rehrman, Elysian Fields

Table of Contents LEADERSHIP 06

Time marches on Rick Wescott

GOVERNMENT 10

CAPCA Government Report George Soares

CONFERENCE 16

2018 Conference Recap

COMMUNICATIONS 30 36

CAPCA Annual Awards The role for PCAs and CCAs in cropping system redesign Jeff Mitchell and Anil Shrestha

AG COMMISSIONER PROFILE 40

Imperial County Ag Commissioner Carlos Ortiz

UC IPM 56

A new type of resistance to glyphosate John Roncoroni

FARM ADVISORS 58 64

Chemigation with metam at the end of strawberry season can help reduce infestations of nutsedge and soilborne pathogens Oleg Daugovish, Mark Bolda, Anna Howell, Gina Ferrari, and Peter Henry

Trouble comes in pairs: Invasive stink bugs in California

JesÃºs R. Lara, Charlie Pickett, Eugene Hannon, Lisa Gonzalez, Samuel Figueroa, Mariana Romo, Christopher Cabanas, Vanessa Bazurto, Vincent Strode, Kristen Briseno, Michael Lewis, Joseph Corso, Merilee Atkinson, and Mark Hoddle

DEPARTMENTS

05 From the Editor

12 Pathway to PCA

78 Career Opportunities

CCA Update

Featured: Nutrients Continuing Education

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED. Join the fight against disease. ChampION++™ Fungicide/Bactericide has the smallest, most consistent copper particles of any water dispersible granule (WG) copper formulation. This leads to more thorough leaf coverage and plant absorption for excellent control. All this with less environmental load than high-dose copper products and OMRI listed for use in organic crop production. Get the copper fungicide that won’t back down. For more information, contact your Nufarm rep today or go to NufarmPoint.com.

For specific application rates, directions, mixing instructions and precautions, read the product label. Please visit www.nufarm.com/us to download a full label. IMPORTANT: Always read and follow label instructions. © 2018 Nufarm. ChampION++TM is a trademark of Nufarm Americas. 10/18-61898

AT THE CENTER OF PLANT HEALTH

CAPCA EDITORIAL STAFF Ruthann Anderson - Editor Joyce Basan - Deputy Editor Dee Strowbridge - Membership/Conference Sylvia Stark - Advertising Sales Manager Ariana McCray - So. CA Representative Rachel Taft - Executive Assistant Adam Barsanti - Outreach Relations Manager Ixchel Flannery - Office Administrator/ Membership Liaison Graphic Design - Rosemary N. Southward southwardr@comcast.net

From the Editor Bee Where launch in 2019 With nearly two years of CAPCA time and resources invested, Bee Where will launch just before almond bloom 2019! This project has been a strategic outreach for CAPCA and is a rare opportunity to be proactive instead of reactive in this political landscape. The launch signifies the start of the next phase which includes education and outreach to beekeepers, growers, applicators and other stakeholders like yourself to ensure the success of Bee Where. Although speeches are planned at venues from the State Beekeepers Association to California Aerial Applicators Association and local Spray Safe events, this launch needs a word-of-mouth, grassroots outreach to spread before bloom. How can you get involved as a PCA? Please take a few moments with your growers to educate them on Bee Where. Although you can brag about how CAPCA and your membership dollars are hard at work making this project a reality, we want your message to include a call to action about how they can get involved also. We need growers to be part of educating their contracted beekeepers on this updated technology to streamline registration and notification here in California. The ultimate goal of the project is to increase communication between stakeholders during bloom, and this hinges on beekeepers registering their hive locations to open up a dialogue with stakeholders prior to pesticide application. As developers work diligently to finalize the software necessary, CAPCA along with CACASA have launched an informational website at www.beewherecalifornia.com which will serve as an access point for registration site(s) starting in late December. Ruthann Anderson, Editor ruthann@capca.com

MISSION & PURPOSE California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA) is a non-profit voluntary mutual benefit association that represents 75% of the 4,000 California EPA licensed pest control advisers. CAPCA’s purpose is to serve as the leader in the evolution of the pest management industry through the communication of reliable information. CAPCA is dedicated to the professional development and enhancement of our members’ education and stewardship which includes legislative, regulatory, continuing education and public outreach activities. PUBLISHING INFORMATION CAPCA Adviser is published bi-monthly by the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA), 2300 River Plaza Dr., Suite 120, Sacramento, California 95833. Web: www.capca.com, (916) 928‑1625. POSTMASTER: send address change to CAPCA. A portion of CAPCA membership dues is used to provide subscription privileges to the Adviser magazine. Non-member subscriptions are $30/year. Third class bulk postage paid at Tucson, AZ and at additional mailing offices. CAPCA has endeavored to include appropriate and accurate statements, but disclaims any and all warranties and/or responsibility for the statements or articles submitted to CAPCA Adviser that may have additionally been edited for style, content and space prior to publication. Views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent CAPCA policies, or positions or endorsements. Editorial content of this publication is educational and informational in nature. No part of this publication, including images, may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. Contact CAPCA at (916) 928‑1625 for reprint authorization. PRINTING: Sundance Press Tucson, Arizona

DECEMBER 2018 | CAPCA ADVISER

LEADERSHIP

Time marches on Rick Wescott, CAPCA Chairman Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to believe it has been two years since I became your CAPCA Chairman. It has been an honor and a pleasure serving CAPCA the past two years in which many changes have occurred. The vision that I had for CAPCA when I started my term has come to fruition. I believed that CAPCA could do more as an organization to help Agriculture and the Pest Control Adviser have a voice in Sacramento and be more proactive on issues affecting us. I will continue to fight for CAPCA, Agriculture and California to ensure that there is a future for the next generation! No one can do the job of Chairman without lots of support. I would like to thank my wife of 37 years, Kim, for always being there for me during the good times and the challenging times the past two years. Thank you Terry Specht and the entire Bayer, Central California District for your support and encouragement.

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

Thank you Ruthann Anderson for being a great President/CEO of CAPCA and for believing in the vision of what CAPCA could become. Thank you to the entire CAPCA staff for all the things you do for CAPCA each and every day. Thank you to the State Board Representatives for believing in me and for supporting the many changes that were needed to move CAPCA forward. Thank you to all my customers that may not have seen as much of me these past two years for all your support. Thank you George Soares for becoming our Lobbyist and guiding us to becoming a better organization. In closing, I would like to raise a toast to Rick Harrison, who will be taking over as chairman in 2019. I have confidence that Rick will continue the great work that CAPCA does for all of us. Cheers Rick! â&#x2013;&#x2C6;

ADVERTORIAL

POWDERY MILDE W AND BOTRY TIS

Disease Protection for Higher Yields and Quality

Double Trouble: Powdery Mildew and Botrytis Powdery mildew and Botrytis bunch rot diseases often go hand in hand in vineyards. If insufficiently controlled, symptoms of Powdery mildew can include red, blotchy areas on dormant canes; chlorotic (loss of greenness) spots on upper surfaces of the leaves; white, powdery or dusty areas; and white, powdery masses settled on the entire berry surface. Botrytis spores, if left untreated, can infect intact, healthy flowers and shoots during bloom and then develop later as fruit matures, devastating your grape quality and overall crop yield1. Practices to control Botrytis include leaf removal, proper fungicide application, planting of resistant varieties and canopy management.2

Luna Experience® and Flint® Extra Provide Control Bayer offers a fungicide program that is highly effective on both Powdery mildew and Botrytis. Controlling both diseases can help minimize yield loss and quality reduction. Growers can maximize returns as well as maximize efficiency for fungicide applications and make the most of time in the field. Luna Experience® at bloom followed by an alternate mode of action such as Flint ® Extra led to average 98.8% reduction of Powdery mildew over 9 years of trials (2008 to 2017) vs. untreated grapes. Comparison of Bayer Programs Containing Luna Experience® and Flint® Extra to Other Programs

Luna Experience at bloom followed by Flint ® Extra is a highly effective rotation for control of Powdery mildew. ®

100

Avg. Percent Incidence of Powdery Mildew

Grape growers face a variety of tough diseases in the vineyard, from Powdery mildew and Botrytis to Black rot and Phomopsis. Not only do these diseases cause serious losses in crop yield and quality, but they can overwinter and cause problems on your vines from season to season if left untreated. Preventing, managing and eliminating these diseases is essential to protect your investment in your wine, table and raisin grapes.

97.6

Luna ® Experience at bloom followed by Flint ® Extra

80 70 60 50

37.6

d 0.8

d 1.6

Luna® Experience (8.6 oz.) then Flint® Extra (3.8 oz.) alternated with Mettle® (5 oz.)

Luna Experience (8.6 oz.) then Flint (3 oz.) alternated with Mettle (5 oz.)

Vivando® (15.4 oz.) alternated with Pristine® (12.5 oz.)

10 0

Untreated Control

Rally® (5 oz.) alternated with Quintec® (5 oz.)

Trial conducted near Walnut Grove by UCCE, University of California, Davis, 2016. Rates are on an oz. per acre basis. All treatments with adjuvant (not shown). Applications on 14-day interval. Bayer programs began with Microthiol® Disperss® 5 lb. up to bloom on 7d interval. Other programs were alternated full season.

A trial by Larry Bettiga, UCCE, Salinas Valley, 2013, shows Luna Experience helped reduce the severity of Botrytis by an average of 75%. Untreated Luna Experience ®

Luna Experience® Helps Reduce Severity of Botrytis by an Average of 75%.

Inspire Super ® Vangard

Switch® Pristine ® 0

Avg. Percent Severity (rotten berries per cluster)

Protection Means Profit Using applications of Luna Experience ® at bloom provided +2,333 lb./A in higher yield on average over grower standard program (Commercial Block, White Hills, CA), which means the grower enjoyed +$855/A in additional profits.3 Make Luna Experience ® and Flint ® Extra cornerstones of your fungicide program to control tough diseases and help protect your investment in your wine, table and raisin grapes. Learn more at LunaFungicides.com. University of California Cooperative Extension. University of California, Davis. Average yield gain per pound in dollars is based on California Agricultural Statistics Review, 2014–2015. California Department of Food and Agriculture.

1 2 3

© 2018 Bayer CropScience LP, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63167. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, Flint, Luna, and Luna Experience are registered trademarks of Bayer. Mettle is a registered trademark of Isagro USA, Inc. Pristine and Vivando are registered trademarks of BASF. Rally and Quintec are registered trademarks of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. Inspire Super, Switch, and Vangard are registered trademarks of Syngenta. Microthiol and Disperss are registered trademarks of United Phosphorus, Inc. Not all products are registered for use in all states. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.CropScience.Bayer.us.

DECEMBER 2018 | CAPCA ADVISER

They may be unseen, but they shouldn’t go unnoticed.

Nematodes are the invisible threat to almond orchards. Protect your crops from nematode damage with Velum® One. Protection from wide-spectrum nematode damage.

58% average increase in canopy diameter in newly-planted trees.2

Can increase yield 8.3% with an average of $475/bearing acre.1

Convenient in-season application via chemigation.

For more information, visit www.VelumOne.com. 1

Profit increase based on 2017 almond price/lb. and average yield/bearing acres with 8.3% increase in yield versus untreated over three-year trial, per trial data of five locations with a single application of Velum One at 6.5 or 6.85 fl. oz./A.

Velum One applied at 6.5 oz./A, spring 2017, via drip irrigation. Trees planted in January 2017. Increase in green canopy pixels based on an average of two rows of untreated trees compared to an average of two rows of Velum One-treated trees.

© 2018 Bayer CropScience LP, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63167. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, and Velum are registered trademarks of Bayer. Not all products are registered for use in all states. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.CropScience.Bayer.us.

ADVERTORIAL

ROOT HEALTH IN ALMOND ORCHARDS

Orchard Success and Why It Pays to Focus on Root Health Root health is a basic necessity impacting orchard health for many years. Sustainability, production and growth are all compromised by poor root health.

Sampling and Monitoring With permanent crops like almonds, the biggest threats to tree root systems are destructive nematode species that feed on them, leaving trees struggling to take up sufficient nutrients and water. Whether the orchard is a new re-plant or mature, growers should consider soil sampling for nematode levels and continue to monitor for diseases that can also erode soil health. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, nematodes reduce vigor and yield in tree nuts, causing 15 to 20 percent yield loss on average but sometimes as much as 50 percent.1

Nematode populations can

rebuild over two or three years, threatening the health of maturing trees.

Nematodes reduce vigor and yield in tree nuts, causing

15 to 20 percent yield loss on average but sometimes as much as

50 percent.1

and has been shown to protect root health and help establish the crop. Trials conducted in California showed that young almond orchards treated with Velum One saw improved canopy diameter by more than half (58%) as well as improvement in yield. Movento® insecticide can be applied as an in-season foliar spray. It moves through the leaves, down to the roots, protecting the roots from the effects of nematode feeding.

Velum® One Helps Establish Young Almond Orchards Velum One-treated trees show 58% increase in canopy diameter (green canopy pixels).

North

Below the surface of the soil, where plant roots are meant to thrive and provide a healthy support system, is the place to start your orchard health program.

Velum® One

Restrictions on soil fumigant use due to air quality concerns make pre-plant soil fumigation less likely to be a permanent nematode management solution. In addition, nematode populations in soil can rebuild over two or three years, threatening the health of maturing trees, and additional applications to suppress nematodes after fumigations are necessary. Nematicides and insecticides are reliable post-plant protection against nematodes. “Research shows annual applications, as trees establish root systems, can add to crop yields,” says Rob Kiss, Bayer Customer Business Advisor in central California.

Nematicide and Insecticide Solutions Velum ® One is a new nematicide that can be easily applied via drip and microjet chemigation. It suppresses a wide range of nematodes 1

South

Fumigation Untreated

Velum One applied at 6.5 oz. per acre, spring 2017, via drip irrigation. Trees planted in January 2017.

Fungicide Solutions Serenade® ASO applied through chemigation colonizes the roots, helping to protect them from damage caused by soil-borne diseases. Healthier roots improve soil health and plant nutrient and water uptake.

Summary Growers looking for an optimal start for their newly planted orchards and maturing trees should continue to be vigilant in managing soil pests and diseases in order to extract the maximum production and value from their orchards. Making sure the root systems are protected from soil diseases and pests will give trees every chance to produce up to their full potential and ensure the long-term vigor and health of your orchard.

Learn more at: www.CropScience.Bayer.us

California Department of Food and Agriculture 2015 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Project Abstracts.

IMPORTANT: This bulletin is not intended to provide adequate information for use of these products. Read the label before using these products. Observe all label directions and precautions while using these products. © 2018 Bayer CropScience LP, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63167. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, Movento, Serenade, and Velum are registered trademarks of Bayer. Not all products are registered for use in all states. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.CropScience.Bayer.us. CR1018VELONEB025S00R0

DECEMBER 2018 | CAPCA ADVISER

GOVERNMENT

CAPCA Government Report George Soares, Kahn, Soares & Conway, LLC California’s executive branch of government which annually produces a tsunami of regulations, and the state’s judicial system which is increasingly jeopardizing crop protection tools, have become equal partners with California’s chaotic legislative process. No longer should anyone naively believe that the two thousand or so legislative proposals introduced during each two-year legislative session are the beginning and end of public policy challenges. Concurrently, thousands of patchwork regulatory mandates take effect that mostly serve as roadblocks to self-initiative and individual success. Speaking of affecting lives, state and federal courts’ handling of cases involving the California Environmental Quality Act, Proposition 65 and High Speed Rail, to name a few, is enough to give common sense the chills. Back to the legislature. The body could not find a pathway in 2018 to address contaminated water supplies which plague over one million Californians even though the legislature and Governor talk about the problem frequently and combined to create 1,016 new laws in 2018. Senate Bill 623 would have helped with the problem but was not given a final vote prior to adjournment of the legislative session on August 31, killing the bill. As a result, allegations by the State Water Resources Control Board of agriculture related water contamination still hang over the heads of farmers in the Salinas and San Joaquin Valleys. Under the category that the legislative process has some value, Assembly Bill 2468 relating to the movement of bee hives was approved by both the state legislature and Governor in 2018. There has been a lingering problem of bees dying in agricultural settings with blame primarily focused on pesticides. The reality is different. The primary culprit has been the ongoing lack of effective communication between hive owners, county agricultural commissioners and applicators of pesticides. Through the leadership of CAPCA and CACASA (County Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association) this situation should get better beginning next year. The registration of hives entering the state will be timelier, as will notice of movement of all hives in the state. Enforcement will be enhanced as well and equally important is that all affected stakeholders are now talking to one another which is a big step in reducing, if not eliminating, this historic problem. Speaking of communications, CAPCA and other members of the Agricultural Presidents’ Council are expanding their outreach to legislators in an effort to find commonality of interest. Certainly, 10

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

tours in agricultural settings are bringing to life for legislators the challenges that confront industry every day. Among those are the often unwarranted reduction of crop protection tools, and patchwork statutes and regulations that have a zigzag effect on industry decision making. The rest of the story, however, is not about us in agriculture but instead is about the mindset of many legislators who come from urban areas and have little or no knowledge about what agriculture does and the supporting justification. Instead, and understandably, these legislators are focused on the real-life circumstances affecting their constituents. That is why these tours are structured to be reciprocal. A day or two in farm country and then a day or two in their legislative districts. Knowledge is power and it is increasingly apparent that the more we share and receive knowledge during these tours, the more we understand and the closer we get to resolving conflict. California has elected a new Governor, state constitutional officers, and 100 state Senate and Assembly seats have been decided. Governor-elect Newsom will be sworn in January 2019, and the members of the state legislature will be sworn into office in December, 2018. All will be anxious to implement their vision and CAPCA will be busy working to ensure that much needed, long overdue balance is at the forefront of decision making. █

Agricultural Leadership Development CAPCA and several agricultural groups based in the San Joaquin Valley have joined with West Hills College Lemoore to launch a valley-wide ag leadership initiative to foster the next generation of leaders. The course will be launched on January 23, 2019. The program will be available to all community college students in the region. Students will produce reports on significant issues affecting agriculture and meet weekly with agricultural leaders in a classroom setting, culminating with a trip to Sacramento where the students will interact with legislators, gubernatorial appointees and consultants.

PATHWAY TO PCA

Student networking outreach continues to grow at CAPCA Annual Conference Ariana McCray, Southern California Representative The third-annual Student Network Event welcomed over 70 students and educators from Butte College, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Chico State, College of the Sequoias, Fresno State, Mt. San Antonio College, San Joaquin Delta College, The Master’s University, and Woodland Community College.

Students then rotated between three panels made up of eleven different retailers, manufacturers, as well as CCAs and PCAs from in-house or turf & ornamental roles. Panel members shared insight on their current positions, what a typical day looks like, as well as subjects or courses they wished they’d focused more on or taken while in school. These breakout sessions gave students the opportunity to ask specific questions on different facets of the PCA industry.

The main objective of the program, created and hosted by Patrick Dosier (Woodland Chapter) and Krista Tavares (Fresno-Madera Chapter), is to prepare students to interact professionally at the CAPCA Conference and in their upcoming job interviews. In order This year, students networked with recruiters as one of the breakout to showcase the skills they need, a contest was held that tasked sessions, which allowed for more one-on-one time. A huge thank students with creating an elevator pitch to present at the event. you to BASF, Corteva, Helena Agri-Enterprises, Nutrien Ag Living up to the “learn by doing” motto, Pandora Mondragon of Solutions, Simplot Grower Solutions, Riverside County Agricultural Cal Poly Pomona and Karina Medrano of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Commissioner Office, UC ANR, Western Region CCA and other each won a $50 prize to be used for UC industry professionals for taking part in this ANR publications and PCA study guides session! “I felt like this year’s student for their pitches. This was then followed by participants hardly needed any a fun & energetic dress for success fashion Prior to the event, Tavares held an educator’s show, complete with red carpet! Our models workshop to find out what schools need more prep! They were dressed wore clothes suitable for a corporate, infrom the industry in order to better prepare professionally, were very attentive field and informal interview settings while students to become licensed upon graduation. and they asked very insightful students were given the dos and don’ts of Educators shared successes and challenges interview attire. They wrapped up the session questions. The employers who were in each of their programs. Pathway to PCA with a mock interview to help students see hopes to assist these educators in focusing on not in the room really missed out.” their two main needs this coming year: helping behavioral interview questions in action. The students received some excellent tips and them facilitate connecting teachers to PCA – Patrick Dosier tricks that they were able to take with them to speakers for their classes and making sure conference and on to the job hunt. 12

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

Double Nickel 55

BIOFUNGICIDE

Cueva

LIQUID COPPER FUNGICIDE CONCENTRATE

GEAR UP.

Cueva and Double Nickel.

Two fungicide/bactericides engineered to work better, together. This is a powerful protection-packed twosome. Together they offer fungal and bacterial control of the most difficult to control foliar diseases. This duo works as a synchronized machine to help keep your crops clean of bacterial spot and speck, powdery and downy mildews, Botrytis gray mold and early and late blight.

2018 Certis USA

Cueva is a liquid copper fungicide concentrate that features as low as 1/5th to 1/10th the metallic copper of most other products. And Double Nickel biofungicide boasts a highly potent CFU count with multiple modes of action for greater efficacy and control. Both are MRL exempt with 4 hr. REI and 0 hr. PHI and OMRI listed.

1-800-250-5024 • www.CertisUSA.com

these educators are connected to their local chapters, especially the community colleges. Both the Student Networking Event and the Educator Workshop highlighted just how much CAPCA is focused on helping the next generation enter this career path fully informed, with the highest level of professional training. We are incredibly proud of the quality of students coming out of our education systems in California and know that with our continued support at a local level these students will continue to flourish in their knowledge of the Pest Control Adviser profession. █ “How do I get more involved in supporting students interested in becoming PCAs in my local area?”

Contact your local Chapter representative: https://capca.com/chapters/

or email Ariana McCray at ariana@capca.com

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

Chemistry that gets right to the point.

A new insecticide is coming soon for the control of aphids, whiteflies and psyllids in specific specialty and row crops. Always read and follow label directions. This material is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to promote the sale of the product. This insecticide is not yet available for sale. Inscalis is a registered trademark of BASF. ÂŠ 2018 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved. APN 18-INS-0001

2018 Conference Recap CAPCA wishes to thank the over 1,800 PCAs and guests who attended the 44th Annual CAPCA Conference & Agri-Expo held at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim for their support and participation. This year’s record numbers are a confirmation that CAPCA continues to be an important entity and resource within the Industry. CAPCA is proud to represent Pest Control Advisers. PCAs are “At the Center of Plant Health,” providing

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

protection and stewardship of the largest, most varied agricultural industry in the world. The efforts and professionalism of PCAs provide the safest food supply too, and that is something to be proud of. CAPCA looks forward to seeing everyone next year at CAPCA’s 45th Annual Conference & Agri-Expo. The 2019 event will be held later in the year, November 3rd5th at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV. Mark your calendars today!

A Very Special Thank You to Corteva Agriscience for the donation of t-shirt sales of $2,366.00 to the Stanley W. Strew Educational Fund for scholarships!

DECEMBER 2018 | CAPCA ADVISER

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

2017-2018 CAPCA State Executive Board (L-R) Rick Wescott, Chairman; Rick Harrison, Vice Chairman; Leanne Becker, Secretary; Gerald Martin, Treasurer; John McClenahan, Ex-Officio

2019-2020 CAPCA State Executive Board (L-R) Rick Wescott, Ex-Officio; Paul Crout, Vice Chairman; Rick Harrison, Chairman; Matthew Bristow, Secretary; Patrick Dosier, Treasurer

DECEMBER 2018 | CAPCA ADVISER

October 14-16, 2018 - Disneyland Resort, CA

SPONSORS

NUTRIENT

TECHNOLOGIES

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

CAPCA’s 44 Annual Conference & Agri-Expo th

AT THE CENTER OF PLANT HEALTH

EXHIBITORS Option 1 CMYK

A4 Promotions Acadian Plant Health ACG Materials Actagro ADAMA AeroVironment AEF Global, Inc Ag Alert Ag Laboratory & Consulting AgNet West Radio Network Ag Spray Equipment Agrian Agrinos AgroLiquid Agroplantae Agroplasma, Inc Agroscience Solutions AgroSource, Inc AgroThrive Organic Fertilizer AGQ Labs Albaugh Albion Plant Nutrition Almond Board of CA Amvac Chemical Corporation Andermatt USA Arable Labs, Inc Arborjet Arysta LifeScience NA Atticus LLC Baicor BASF Belchim Crop Protection BioFlora BioSafe Systems Blue Mountain Minerals

Brandt California Organic Fertilizers Caltec Ag

CDFA PD | GWSS Board CDMS

Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention

CV Water Control Quality Bd Ceres Imaging Certis USA Chemurgic Agricultural Chemicals

Compass Minerals Converted Organics LLC Crop Science a division of Bayer CSI – Nutri-Cal Davis Instruments Dellavalle Laboratory, Inc Diamond K Gypsum Drexel Chemical Company DTN Duarte Nursery Dupont Crop Protection EarthSol LLC FBSciences, Inc FMC Agricultural Solutions GoatThroat Pumps Gar Tootelian, Inc Gowan USA LLC Grower’s Secret Harsco Metals & Minerals Helena Agri-Enterprises LLC HELM Agro US Hortau Huma Gro ICL Specialty Fertilizers Insero | AgOtter

Interstate Ag Plastics Irrometer Co Isagro USA JCS Marketing Jet Harvest Solutions Keyplex Lida Plant Research Liphatech, Inc JH Biotech Magna Bon II Malcolm Media Ag Publishing Mar Vista Resources Marrone Bio Innovations Mazzei Injector Company Meister Media Worldwide Miller Chemical & Fertilizers Momentive Montage for Ag Motomco Naiad Company, Inc Nature’s Source Nature Safe Natural & Organic Fert. Netafim USA Neudorff North America Nichino America NovaSource Nufarm America Nutrien Ag Solutions Nutrient Technologies Ocean Organics Corp OHP, Inc Organic Ag Products Organic Farms Fertilizers Oro Agri Plant Food Systems

Polymer Ag LLC QualiTech Redox Semios USA, Inc Simplot Grower Solutions Spectrum Technologies SQM North America STK Bio-ag Technologies SummitAgro USA Suterra Symborg Syngenta Crop Protection Syntech Research, Inc Taminco US LLC TerraVesco Tiger-Sul Products TKI Crop Vitality TracMap, Inc Trece True Organic Products, Inc UCANR UPI Valent Vegalab - The Agronomy Group Verdegaal Brothers, Inc Verdesian Life Science Vestaron Corporation Westbridge Agricultural Products

Western Farm Press Western Milling Western Region CCA Wildeye Willowood Wonderful Nurseries Yamaha Motor Yara

TERRITORY MANAGERS Daniel Abruzzini Yuba City • 209-338-7405 Jill LeVake Sacramento • 530-713-2565

A Commitment to Growing Progress

Ryan McCoon Escalon • 209-484-4408 Andre Alves Merced, Firebaugh area 559-451-1028 Chris Scott Kingsburg • 559-573-5467 Nate Alonso Tulare area • 559-321-3162 Nicole Smith Kern County • 559-967-3806 Brian Hegland Bakersfield • 661-331-9729 Kristen Nelson Arizona • 928-216-6668 Junior Evans Yuma, Imperial, Indio • 928-446-5705 Bill Seaman Santa Cruz • 831-818-5612 Chris Steppig San Luis Obispo • 559-368-3281 Mark Shepherd Central Valley • 559-903-1826

MARKET DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS Carl Bannon NorCal, North SJV • 530-333-3182 Jim Matsuyama Central Coast, Yuma • 805-794-3017 Jeff Pacheco South SJV, Arizona • 480-695-4615 ™Trademark of Dow AgroSciences, DuPont or Pioneer and their affiliated companies or respective owners. Always read and follow label directions. ©2018 Corteva Agriscience

CAPCA

pring ummit

April 16-17, 2019 Register through CAPCA Website

Registration Open Cost $160.00 Begins April 16, 2019 at 1:00 pm Ends April 17, 2019 at 5:00 pm

www.capca.com/events

Pechanga Resort Temecula, California Reservations can be made at the Pechanga Resort by calling 888-732-4264. Identify yourself with the CAPCA Spring Summit booking code # 3488895 Group rate for rooms expires March 15, 2019

We are still building this program. Details will be available end of December.

Save these 2019 SPRAY SAFE event dates! Kern County Spray Safe Event January 25, 2019

Yuba Sutter Spray Safe Event Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Kern County Fair Grounds, 1142 South P Street, Bakersfield 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Trade Show opens at 7:00 a.m. Lunch is provided Info: Jeff Rasmussen (661) 978-8076 Save the Date: https://kerncfb.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ Spray-Safe-2019-Save-the-Date.pdf Sponsorship Info: https://kerncfb.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ Sponsor-Opportunities-Spray-Safe-2019-web-fillable.pdf

For Updated information, contact: 475 N. Palora Ave, Ste A, Yuba City, CA 95991 Office Phone: (530) 673-6550 Fax: (530) 671-5836 Email: ysfb@ysfarmbureau.com

Yolo County Spray Safe Event February 6, 2019 Waite Hall, Yolo Co. Fairgrounds 1250 Gum Ave., Woodland Registration: 7:45 - 8:30 a.m. Seminar: 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. $20.00 pre-registration $25.00 at the door YCFB Spray Safe PDF https://d38trduahtodj3.cloudfront.net/files. ashx?t=fg&rid=YoloFarmBureau&f=2019_Registration_Flyer(1).pdf

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

San Joaquin Spray Safe Event Tuesday, February 26, 2019 For updated information contact: 3290 N Ad Art Rd, Stockton, CA 95215 Phone: (209) 931-4931 Fax: (209) 931-1433

Santa Barbara Spray Safe Event Wednesday, February 20, 2019 Fair Park, Santa Maria, CA For more information, contact: 180 Industrial Way Buellton, CA 93427 Tel: 805-688-7479 Fax: 805-688-0428

Mar Vista Resources Fertilizer Laboratory Services Advertorial

Our lab provides a wide range of analytical testing procedures to meet the requirements of any fertilizer production facility or end user. Manufacturing quality and innovative formulations are the forefronts of our business model and lab. We have set various parameters on our everyday operations to ensure that our products comply with all regulations and customer expectations. We took an extra step towards these efforts in 2016 when our Quality Control and Product Development laboratory was established. With the addition of these facilities and analytical equipment such as an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emissions Spectrometer (ICPOES) and Elementar Vario Max Cube, we are able to analyze down to trace levels of all common fertilizer components through NPK, micronutrient, and heavy metal testing. We use EPA certified methods to test all fertilizer samples. Other testing procedures our lab is capable of that support both our Quality Control and Product Development programs range from pH testing, Density, Nitrate-Nitrogen, AmmoniumNitrogen, and Urea-Nitrogen, Viscosity, Surface Tension, Salt-Out temperature analysis, stability and compatibility testing.

subjected to elemental analysis. This is completed before product is packaged and shipped to ensure the product is in accordance to its respective label and specifications. With an on-site chemist always present we are able to rapidly troubleshoot through production issues and remediate batches when necessary. We are also able to quickly respond to our customers' requests for custom formulations as well as provide technical support about our products and how they are best utilized. Our lab services, both analytical and developmental, are offered to all customers and non-customers alike. We provide cost effective services that are both competitive and accurate. Contact us to see how our laboratory can best accommodate your analytical needs.

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Guaranteed Analysis sh (K2O).........................................................30.00% ived from: Potassium Carbonate 3.6 pounds of K2O Contains: 1.450 vity: 12.30 lbs/gal @ 68˚F 12 to 13 15˚ F mp:

GHS07

WARNING

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

National Response Center: (800) 424-8802 EMENT (GHS-US): Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation. Y STATEMENT (GHS-US): Avoid breathing mist, spray, vapors. horoughly after handling. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilatprotection, face protection, protective gloves. If on skin: Wash er. If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable n eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Call a doctor if you feel itation occurs: Get medical advice/attention. If eye irritation ical advice/attention. Take off contaminated clothing and wash tore in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.

SOIL APPLIED (FIELD, ROW CROPS, AND VEGETABLES) Seed-Row Starter: Apply at 1 to 5 gallons per acre in a seed row at planting time. Use a precision application system to insure exact application rates.

Below-Seed Starter: Apply at 1 to 5 gallons per acre placed 2 to 4 inches under

the seed.

Side Dress: Apply at 1 to 5 gallons per acre as a side-dress placed one to five inches from the plant. Consult your Mar Vista Representative and soil test for specific recommendations. FOLIAR FEEDING GENERAL GUIDELINES

FertiClear™ 0-0-30 solution fertilizer may cause spotting on plant tissue because of the high pH.

FOLIAR APPLICATIONS Note: FertiClear™ 0-0-30 should be applied in the late evening or early morning. DO NOT spray in the heat of the day. DO NOT spray when the plant is under moisture stress. Use as fine of a spray mist as possible. DO NOT spray to the point of runoff. Allow 3-4 hours after application before sprinkler irrigation to avoid washing the product off. Field, Row Crops, and Vegetables Crops: Apply rate of 2-6 quarts per acre. Rates should vary on severity of deficiency symptoms or on the degree of weather extremes. Trees: Apply rate of 2-6 quarts per acre. Rates should vary on severity of deficiency symptoms or on degree of weather extremes. CAUTION: Mixing with hard water may cause clogging of the lines due to the combining of calcium, magnesium and iron in the water with FertiClear™ 0-0-30. WARNING: This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Use in accordance with recommendations of qualified individual or institution such as, but not limited to, a certain crop advisor, agronomist, university crop extension publication, or apply according to recommendations in your approved nutrient management plan. When tank mixing other products, “Jar Test” proportionally mixed components to confirm compatibility.

CONDITIONS OF SALE AND WARRANTY

GENERAL INFORMATION

olution is manufactured utlizing quality raw materials. FertiClear™ imizes plant nutrient solubility and plant safety when utilized as se consult your Mar Vista Representative for specific placement delines.

Mar Vista Resources (Seller) warrants that the chemical composition of this product conforms to the chemical description given on this label. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS EXPRESSED, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE. No one is authorized to make any other warranty, guarantee or directions

High Quality Raw Materials

concerning this product, and no such warranties, guarantees or directions shall be a orwater-clear DIRECTIONS FOR USE Our 0-0-30 isvalid binding upon Seller.fertilizer Timing, rate and method of application, weather and

crop conditions, mixtures with chemicals not specifically recommended on this label product. Our premium product is able to or an accompanying written recommendation, are beyond the control of Seller. Buyer assumes all solubility. risks of use, storageFertiand handling of this material not in strict maximize plantaccordance nutrient with directions given herewith. In no case shall Seller be liable for APPLICATION RATES consequential, special, or incidental damages or losses resulting from the w Application (Trees and Vines): Apply at 2-10 gallons per Clear™ 0-0-30 can be use in indirect, place of SOP, handling or use of this product. The foregoing is a condition of sale by Seller and is n beginning at full leaf, schedule as needed. and Potassium Thiosulfate a agrees in the event of damages arising accepted as such by the buyer. Buyeras further Row Crops: Apply at 2-10 gallons per acre perMOP, application, pplication based on crop requirements. from the use of this product to accept a replacement of the product or a refund of potassium yourat crops. purchase price offor the product, buyer’s option, as full discharge of Seller’s ND DRIP IRRIGATION RATES good source of the liability. Apply at 2-10 gallons per acre every 10 to 14 days based on FertiClear™ 0-0-30 can raise low pH soils NET CONTENTS: Row Crops: Apply at 2-10 gallons per acreon per applcation based drip irrigation as well as provideBULK K for nts. NET CONTENTS: 275 high potassium demanding crops such Gal as (1,040.9 L) Tote NET CONTENTS: Gal (18.9 L) Pail bearing vineyards, almonds, stone5 fruit CONTENTS: ______________ andNET citrus.

0-0-30 solution into the irrigation lines after filters. Thoroughly es and system after injection of FertiClear™ 0-0-30 solution by nes and system with clean water prior to turning off pumps.

Guaranteed by: www.marvistaresources.com 745 North Ave • Corcoran, CA 93212 • Office: (559) 992-4535

Low Impurities • Low Salt • High Solubility

Seed Safe Technology When used at the recommended rates, our products contain low salt, which translates to seed safety and no root or crop damage. Soil application rates are 1-10 GPA. It is not recommended for foliar application unless buffered. FertiClear™ 0-0-30 is a chloride free formula.

High Solubility it moves easily throughout the root zone and reaches a deeper profile. FertiClear™ 0-0-30 is soluble at 12.30 lbs per gallon.

COMMUNICATIONS

2018 CAPCA Member of the Year:

Patrick Dosier By CAPCA Staff CAPCA Member of the Year is an annual award bestowed upon a member and licensed PCA who excels in their contribution to the profession through CAPCA activities and leadership above and beyond the norm. The 2018 recipient of the CAPCA Member of the Year Award is Patrick Dosier. Patrick chose the Pest Control Adviser (PCA) career path while at Cal Poly Pomona, where he earned a B.S. in Agronomy with an emphasis in Crop Science. Patrick obtained his PCA license in 2009 and is also a Certified Crop Adviser (CCA), Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg) and a Certified Soil Technician (CST). He began his career with Western Farm Service (now Nutrien) as a field scout and then research agronomist. He went to work with QualiTech as a Technical Sales Agronomist in 2013, where he continues to work today. Occasionally, he consults through TransValley AgTech, with a mission of advancing agricultural information technologies. He is currently pursuing an MBA at UC Davis. In addition to his participation with CAPCA, he serves on the Western Region Certified Crop Advisers (WRCCA) Board of Directors, currently as Secretary.

(L) Patrick Dosier; (R) John McClenahan

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

Patrick’s involvement in CAPCA began when he served as the San Francisco Bay chapter’s President in 2013, then later as the Woodland Chapter’s Representative to the State Board and has been elected to the Executive Committee as incoming Treasurer. In speaking of his dedication to CAPCA, past Chair John McClenahan shared on behalf of the San Francisco Bay Chapter, “For several years, Patrick has advanced the professionalism of the PCA within so many CAPCA programs and across the industry – serving as a State Board Representative for Woodland Chapter, helping design and moderate a successful Student Networking Event in Reno last fall, [continuing his] involvement in this year’s event in Anaheim. He has also stepped up as Co-Chair of the Government Relations Committee and is leading the charge on issues from Irrigation and Nitrogen Management Plans (INMP) to bee safety. Patrick’s own bee project, HiveStakk, sparked much of the discussion and design for the current Bee Where project. Patrick’s work on INMP language has been a shared success with Western Region CCA Board.” Patrick is married to Dr. Lindsay Shortliffe and they live in Sacramento with their daughters Lyra (2) and Mariana (newborn). Patrick is committed to raising the professionalism of the PCA and is most deserving of recognition as the 2018 CAPCA Member of the Year.

DECEMBER 2018 | CAPCA ADVISER

COMMUNICATIONS

Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award:

Steven Koike By CAPCA Staff CAPCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award is given to those individuals, companies or organizations that have made a meaningful difference in support of California agriculture. The 2018 recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award is Steven Koike. In January of this year he was named Director of TriCal Diagnostics in Hollister, CA, and previously served for 28 years as the county extension adviser with UC Cooperative Extension.

(L) John McClenahan; (R) Steven Koike

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

A native of San Diego, Steve grew up working for his family’s wholesale orchid nursery. He met and admired university extension professionals who visited the nursery and assisted his family’s business. He later attended the University of California at Davis and earned B.S. in plant science and M.S. in pest management degrees, both of which focused on plant pathology. While at UC Davis, Koike worked for plant pathology Professor Joseph Ogawa, who was known for problem-solving research that assisted farmers, and he met other university scientists who encouraged his interest in pursuing an extension career. In their nomination the Monterey Bay Chapter wrote, “As the county extension advisor stationed in the Salinas Valley for so many years, Steve has been an instrument of knowledge and wisdom for all the farmers and PCAs in the area. His book, Vegetable Diseases: A Color Handbook, is a must have for anyone who is in the industry. His recent move to the private sector only shines a light on the service that he provided while working with the agricultural extension office.”

During his extension career, Steve conducted a research and education program on diseases of vegetable, fruit, and ornamental crops. He focused on diagnosing plant problems, investigating the biology of pathogens, evaluating fungicides and other control methods, identifying new diseases, and advising clientele on disease management approaches. He also collaborated on field studies involving foodborne pathogens. Steve created and operated the university’s only county-based, plant pathology diagnostic lab. In addition to his well know book, he published almost 400 scientific and over 700 extension publications, and he presented research at many state, national, and international conferences, giving hundreds of extension presentations, and organized and hosted 88 extension meetings and workshops. In his work at TriCal Diagnostics, a commercial diagnostic lab, Steve continues to support research on foliar and soilborne plant pathogens, and provide plant pathology information to clientele who grow and work with various agricultural commodities throughout CA and the US. It is with much honor and respect that CAPCA recognizes Steve Koike as our 2018 Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award recipient. █

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COMMUNICATIONS

The role for PCAs and CCAs in cropping system redesign

Jeff Mitchell, University of California, Davis; and Anil Shrestha, California State University, Fresno Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) and Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs) of California play a pivotal role in ensuring safe, economic, and sustainable crop production in one of the most productive regions of the world. In recognition of the contributions that they’ve made over the years, working directly with farmers throughout the state to improve production practices, we offer here some thoughts on where the future of agriculture may lie as innovations that are introduced begin to be adopted. We feel that PCAs and CCAs may have greater roles to play in the future as redesigned agricultural systems evolve. We begin with the soil. California farmers may wish to consider the soil health movement that is sweeping many parts of the world these days as they may be missing out on the benefits of this movement. Despite ambitious public relations efforts by California’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Department of Food and Agriculture to increase awareness about the importance of soil health, the majority of farmers in the state have not quite embraced the core principles of soil care that are based on time-honored research and management experience. These principles - reducing disturbance and the volume of soil that is disturbed through tillage, keeping the soil covered by residues, and accentuating diversity in crop species and in soil biology - are not only part and parcel of the goals that drive the soil health movement, but are the fundamental practices that have led to major improvements in food production systems and health. The implications, benefits, and challenges for pest 36

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

management in these systems need to be explored if such systems are to succeed. Hence, again, we emphasize that PCAs and CCAs have an important role in this soil health movement. If you haven’t yet, we encourage you to read Edward H. Faulkner’s, Plowman’s Folly and A Second Look. These two books were written in the 1940s and yet they provide very provocative ideas about how soil health might confer benefits in terms of pest management that have relevance today. The first book challenges the time-honored practice of plowing and offers a broad systems-orientation to food production that begins with good soil care. This book is one of the most cited monograph in the history of soil science literature, - a mere four spots behind Charles Darwin. The second book examines pest management and the nutrient density of the foods we eat and how they are impacted by soil health. Agricultural systems are complex with many positive and negative interactions between abiotic and biotic factors. Pests are a major determinant biotic factor for the success of any redesigned production systems. Any interventions, be it in the name of soil health, will alter the ecology of pests and their interaction with their hosts. Therefore, a new paradigm may be needed in managing pests in these perceived futuristic systems that aim to maximize recycling of products, minimize external inputs, and reduce leakages. In this scenario, the important role of PCAs and CCAs is inevitable for the success of these systems.

Left: California CASI farmers visiting Dwayne Beck at the Dakota Lakes Research Farm in Pierre, SD, June 14, 2006 Right: Strip-tillage tomato transplanting into winter cover crop, Hollister, CA, June 1, 2010

It is perceived that the redesign and development of production systems that address these soil health goals have several benefits such as lower production costs, better soil function, less air pollution by dust particles, lower emissions, greater carbon capture and storage, reduced soil water evaporation, and higher water use efficiency. However, much of these benefits are yet to be achieved in the current cropping systems in California. Since the 1930s and the drilling of wells for water for irrigation, basic tillage practices that are used in at least most annual crop production systems have changed very little. The intensity of tillage disturbance in these systems is today by and large similar to the 1930s. This observation was recently reinforced when we hosted a group of about twenty farmers from Uzbekistan in Five Points, CA. Our Workgroup, i.e., Conservation Agriculture Systems Innovation (CASI; for more information please visit http://casi.ucanr.edu/) had been asked to organize a tour for this group that was interested in learning about innovative reduced disturbance tillage systems. After visiting a number of farms however, the visitors seemed largely unimpressed, commenting, “This is not new. We already do this ourselves.” Not exactly a glowing endorsement of the practices that are being used locally.

Most of the current literature on cropping systems research globally has generally endorsed the fact that the modern agricultural production systems are heavily reliant on external inputs and there are several leaks in the energy cycles of these systems. Therefore, there is very good reason to suspect or predict that changes will eventually be made to production systems in the future that will result in less leakage, reduced emissions, increased biological activity, effective cycling of resources and energy, and have greater water use efficiency. There are risks associated with our current production systems. They require intensive inputs of fossil energy, water, and synthetic fertilizers. They generate dust which pollute the air and has implications for human health. They are, put simply, costly and in the words of one farmer we work with, “precarious.”

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A natural resin barrier which may be sprayed on pruning cuts and bark surfaces to seal wounds and inhibit water and bacteria from entering surface cuts.

www.millerchemical.com DECEMBER 2018 | CAPCA ADVISER

COMMUNICATIONS, CONT., The role for PCAs and CCAs in cropping system redesign

No-tillage corn seeding into undisturbed wheat residue in Five Points, CA, April 29, 2007

However, there are options available to minimize these risks and major strides forward have been made in California itself in achieving the fundamental principles of not only soil heath or soil care, but also more economic, and more environmentally-friendly crop production. For instance, in northern California in Meridian, Scott Park now grows organic rice with yields comparable to conventional standards with only cover crop inputs. His soil has been enriched by years of dedicated cover crop and reduced disturbance tillage management which now affords him better economic performance, stability, and profitability, all with less water use, than conventional systems. Likewise, near the western Fresno County town of Firebaugh, Jesse Sanchez and Alan Sano now grow tomatoes with significantly less water and synthetic fertilizers than is done conventionally. These are but two shining examples of some of the thinking and practices that are underway by growers to get to the next stage of not only improved production systems, but production system redesign. There are other, perhaps even larger, efforts being taken globally. In Holland, for example, at the turn of the century, the Dutch made a national commitment to sustainable agriculture under the rallying cry “Twice as much food using half as many resources.” Since 2000, farmers have dramatically reduced external inputs and have declared resource independence on several fronts. A recent publication in the peer-reviewed journal, Nature Sustainability, by a group of seventeen agricultural scientists around the globe documented a growing sector of farmers not only engaged in concerted efforts toward sustainable intensification via increased efficiency and replacement of technology and practices, but also in the full-blown redesign of the composition and structure of their agroecosystems to deliver sustainability across all dimensions to facilitate production at increased rates (https://www.sciencedaily. com/releases/2018/08/180827180741.htm). It is further estimated, though perhaps not well known in California, that sizable portions of farmland in Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay currently very widely use the core principles of soil health and conservation agriculture that are outlined above. Even as a food super-power, Brazil has embraced the concept of soil health as they have realized its importance in sustainable agriculture production systems. 38

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

The fact of the matter is that we live in very challenging, yet also quite exciting times with a great deal of production system innovation underway globally including in California. We believe that PCAs and CCAs have major roles in the designing of whollyimproved futuristic production paradigms here in California. The agricultural community, in general, will have to think very broadly and not just ask problem-solving questions that are important today, but also the types of much larger questions such as “What production systems will we want and need way out into the future?” “How will tomorrow’s even greater constraints on resources determine how we farm?” And finally, “How can we work today to help realize these new systems?” Because of the very close roles and influence PCAs/CCAs have with farmers, there is a lot that they can do to ensure success of the cropping systems that will evolve in the future by looking at overall soil health as a major component of pest management. The impetus for our writing this for CAPCA membership came from a California farmer and practicing PCA and CCA who knows from inside experience the tremendously valuable and indispensable roles that PCAs/CCAs, as professional consultants, play in guiding and working to improve the production systems we use for our food, feed, fiber and fuels. We encourage your creative and broad thinking, your continued dedication to the consulting profession, and welcome your active involvement in our CASI Workgroup as a tangible way to stay tuned into these sorts of endeavors. █ References Faulkner, Edward H. 1943. Plowman’s Folly. University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, OK. Faulkner, Edward H. 1947, A Second Look. University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, OK. Anil Shrestha and David R. Clements. 2003. Emerging trends in cropping systems research. The Haworth Press, Ind. 10.1300/ J144v08n01_01 David R. Clements and Anil Shrestha. 2004. New dimensions in agroecology for developing a biological approach to crop production. The Haworth Press, Inc. 10.1300/J411v11n01_01

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AG COMMISSIONER PROFILE

Ag Commissioner Carlos Ortiz CAPCA Staff

Carlos Ortiz is Imperial County’s Agricultural Commissioner and has served in the position for two years. In total he has 30 years of service with the Imperial County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, prior to which he served for 4 years with the United States Department of AgricultureInternational Services. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Mexico. A native of Guanajuato, Mexico, Ortiz grew up in Oxnard, California, where he recalls going to the fields with his parents and siblings to harvest various crops such as tomatoes, strawberries and cut flowers. His father later bought a farm in Mexico, where Carlos helped during the school year and in the summer assisted his eldest brother, Jose, in his flower business in Ventura County. “My hard work and dedication to these efforts helped me understand the reward and gratification of what it feels like to be a farmer and also the challenges and difficulties that come with this industry.” Describing his role as Agricultural Commissioner now, he says “My major role is to promote and protect our agricultural industry, our citizens, and the environment. To accomplish part of this, I have made outreach and education a priority.” From his open-door policy welcoming any opportunity to meet with members of the industry, to his regular engagement with local groups and associations like the Farm Bureau, CAPCA and Imperial Valley Vegetable Growers Association, Ortiz is committed to communication and cooperative problem solving. “I feel that it is important that we share information on issues of mutual concern and that we work together addressing them and moving forward,” he says. 40

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

AG COMMISSIONER PROFILE, CONT.

The Imperial Valley is known as the nation’s “winter salad bowl,” growing crops such as leaf lettuce, alfalfa, head lettuce, broccoli, spinach, onion, alfalfa seed, carrots, and sugar beets. When asked what the greatest concern for agriculture in Imperial County is, Ortiz responded, “There are several issues that can affect agriculture in any region or county, but I would like to talk about the importance of keeping exotic and invasive pests out of the county. Imperial County growers have direct experience on the type of serious damage a new pest such as the silver leaf whitefly can do to crops in a region. Not only did it destroy the crops that were in the ground, but also had a long-term impact on the crops that may be grown. The whitefly has prevented growers from growing melons in the fall.” Additionally, in 2008 the county’s first Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) was detected in Ocotillo. ACP is a vector of huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, a deadly disease of citrus. Ortiz describes bringing the population of this pest down to manageable levels as a success story of collaboration. “The Imperial County Citrus Pest Control District, CDFA, and the Agricultural Commissioner’s office have developed tight relationships and frequent communication habits throughout the last ten years. Although HLB has not been detected in Imperial County, experts advise to keep the ACP population suppressed in case HLB is introduced in the region. A minimal ACP population would help prevent or slow the spread of HLB and make control of this deadly citrus disease more feasible.” At present, there are even certain times in the year when ACP is not detectable. Ortiz is aware and proactive about threats even before they reach his county. “In September 2016, Eric Natwick, Entomology Advisor of UCCE Imperial County, learned that sugarcane aphid

(SCA) had been found in central Arizona and Central California causing damage to sorghum crops and became concerned that sudan, being a hybrid of sorghum, could be a host. Thereafter, I included this pest in my monthly industry update to the Farm Bureau and Imperial Valley Vegetable Growers Association (IVVGA). After receiving this report, a grower from the Holtville area reported back to me that he had seen a suspect aphid. Samples were collected by my staff and submitted to the CDFA Lab, which later confirmed the presence of SCA in Imperial County. My staff was then able to research potential control measures and bring in a UCCE Advisor familiar with SCA and share information with industry prior to the next planting season. Fortunately, so far sudan is only an incidental host of this pest, with no reported economic losses in the County. On the other hand, sorghum grown in the Mexicali Valley has suffered serious damage caused by SCA. This group effort response to the possible introduction of what may be a serious pest is a good example of how important a team effort approach is necessary to protect our agriculture.” Invasive pest are not the only challenge Ortiz faces, “New and unexpected issues are always a challenge, but I see them as an opportunity to grow, to gain additional knowledge and experience.” He enjoys working closely with his staff, other agencies and industry to address and find solutions to challenges, “In the end, we all share the same goals, the protection and promotion of agriculture. Talking about highlights with his staff, Ortiz shared about the department’s participation in “No-Shave November” – a men’s health awareness campaign. “The campaign was very successful due to the fact that every time one of the participants was asked, “Hey dude, what’s with the beard?” it allowed for the dialogue of

“No-shave November”

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

Advertorial

Extend Almond Bloom for Increased Nut Set “Keeping the almond bloom viable longer is important for pollination — especially if wind, cloudy days or rain interfere with bees foraging,” said Tom Caruso, almond crop lead for Valent. “By keeping the flower alive longer, growers can help ensure the success of their investment.” Keep Flowers Alive Longer There’s never been a way to keep almond flowers viable longer. Until now. ReTain® Plant Growth Regulator for California Soluble Powder extends the viability of almond bloom, allowing more opportunity for nut set, thus ensuring optimum crop load potential. ReTain works by reducing the blooms’ production of ethylene, thus delaying flower and stigmatic senescence. This results in flowers being viable longer, which allows more time for pollination to occur. “ReTain is a proven technology with established use patterns for fruit and nut set in California cherries and walnuts,” Caruso said. Apply from 30 to 60% Bloom: Ground or Aerial ReTain can be applied from 10% bloom to petal fall. Now approved for aerial application, ReTain can be applied by fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft. Aerial application provides greater application flexibility during a tight almond bloom window and offers greater yield potential. A ReTain aerial application not only reaches more acres quicker than ground applications, it also helps ensure optimal application timing at 30 to 60% bloom.

To learn more about ReTain for almonds, visit valent.com/ReTainCA or contact your PCA.

Extend the Pollination Period Field studies have demonstrated that ReTain extends the life of an almond bloom for a 43% longer pollination period over the untreated check. 3 Untreated

ReTain

2.5

Flowering Stage (0–3)

Each year between February and early March, California almond orchards burst with beautiful flowers as almond buds begin to bloom. The longer the bloom, and if weather cooperates, the better your chances for each of those almond blooms to become pollinated, and the better your chances for a strong nut set and yield potential.

Now Approved for Aerial Application

2 ReTain Effect

Normal Pollination Period

1.5

1 43% Longer Pollination Period

0.5

Days After Open Bloom

Aerial Application Advantages In aerial application trials conducted in 2016 and 2017 with ReTain on nonpareil almonds, nutmeat yields increased on average by 312 lb/A—a 12.2% yield increase over the untreated check. Applications were made via fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft at application volumes ranging from 15 to 20 gal/A. This compares to a 7.5% average yield increase for ground applications. Two-Year Aerial Applications Summary Nonpareil ReTain

Untreated 2,400

12.2%

2,875

2,563 2,600

2,800

3,000

Yield (lb nutmeats/A)

“To capitalize on a longer almond bloom and, most importantly, increased nut set, growers can now rely on ReTain,” Caruso said.

Products That Work, From People Who Care® | valent.com | 800-6-VALENT (682-5368) Always read and follow label instructions. Products That Work, From People Who Care is a registered trademark of Valent U.S.A. LLC. ReTain is a registered tardemark of Valent BioSciences LLC. ©2018 Valent U.S.A. LLC. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. 2018-RETCA-6000 PM 9/18

the importance for men to take care of their health for the benefit of their friends, their family and themselves.” Ortiz says: “Some of the participants acknowledged during the campaign that they needed to make an appointment with their doctor for a physical and checkup due to family history of illnesses, such as cancer. Letting your facial hair grow, such as your beard, allowed participants to donate their monthly beard-free maintenance allowance to Amigos de Alejandro, a local nonprofit organization that serves families of children diagnosed with cancer. The total amount donated from county staff was $519.” Another highlight he is pleased to share is the work done through Agricultural Impact Associates to show the Economic Contributions of Imperial County Agriculture. “The report was well received not only by the agricultural industry but also by the press, academia, and the public. It can be considered as the main single report that tells the story of the importance of agriculture in Imperial County and its role in sustaining a healthy local economy.” Asked if there was an issue or relevant program that the Adviser’s readers and CAPCA members may want to know about, Ortiz gladly shared about the Agricultural Benefit Program, established by the Imperial County Board of Supervisors to mitigate losses to agricultural production, jobs, and the local economy resulting from renewable energy development on farmland in Imperial County. The Loan portion of the program provides financial assistance for projects in one or more of the following identified target areas: • Agricultural Business Development (e.g. construction of Ag commodity processing plant); • Research and Development (e.g. development of beneficial new crops or technology); • Ag Stewardship (e.g. bringing abandoned or neglected ground back into production). There is also a Grant Program available for non-profit entities that can provide financial assistance for: • Research and Development (e.g. development of beneficial new crops or technology); 44

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

• Ag Stewardship (e.g. bringing abandoned or neglected ground back into production). As well as a Scholarship Match for qualifying scholarships awarded by other organizations in a total amount not to exceed $3,000 per student per academic year. To be a Qualifying Scholarship eligible for this match, the scholarship must go to an Imperial County student, and the organization’s scholarship requirements must show that it is degree specific for agriculture or related fields. Ortiz says, “I encourage any entity that is seeking a loan or grant, or a student who is seeking a scholarship match, to take advantage of this opportunity and to submit the appropriate application. Please call my office if you have any questions or would like additional information or visit our website.” www.co.imperial.ca.us/ag/default.asp. █

PR OT E C T I N G C R O P S | D R I V I N G PR O F I T S

Control your pests. Manage your budget. Take control of your crops for less with Willowood USA post-patent crop protection products. Containing the same active ingredients as name-brand products, our line of fungicides, insecticides, herbicides and plant growth regulators gives you a broad spectrum of protection and the kind of value you can’t get anywhere else. For tree fruit, nuts and vines, Willowood has the solutions you need at a price you can’t beat. Abamectin 0.15LV

Abamectin 0.7SC

Low volatility formulation

Same active as AGRI-MEK SC

Same active as ABOUND®

Clethodim 2EC

Glufosinate 280SL

Same active as SELECT®

Same active as RELY®

Bifenazate 50WDG Same active as ACRAMITE®

Imidacloprid 4SC

Lambda-Cy 1EC*

Same active as ADMIRE PRO

Paraquat 3SL* Same active as GRAMOXONE

Tebustrobin SC (CA)

Same active as WARRIOR

Propicon 3.6EC* Same active as TILT

Azoxy 2SC

Oxyflo 2EC Same active as GOAL®

Teb 45DF Same active as ELITE®

Contact your local ag retailer or visit WillowoodUSA.com to learn more.

WillowoodUSA.com 877-679-9963

All product names, logos, brand names, or trademarks are property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this material are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, brands and trademarks does not imply endorsement.

CCA UPDATE

2019 Student exam pilot program Ariana McCray, CAPCA SoCal Representative The Western Region Certified Crop Adviser (WRCCA) Board recently announced the launch of a student exam pilot program for 2019. College students will be able to sit for the International and Local CCA exams on April 27, 2019 at Fresno State. Why would students want to sit for these exams before graduation? 1. Reduced Pricing - Both exams cost almost $300. The WRCCA Board is subsidizing the cost of the exams so that students will only pay $50. This is a huge benefit! 2. Begin Credential Process Early – Once both exams have been successfully passed, students have six months to apply for CCA Candidate Status. The process requires applicants to complete a summary of college coursework, including official transcripts, as well as one reference of any kind which should be a non-relative such as former employers from part-time jobs or professors. This reference does not need to be a farmer/grower. How do students prepare for the exam? Student can begin studying for the exam by visiting wrcca.org/ exams/ to find resources for both the International and local exam. WRCCA will also be holding an exam prep workshop at Fresno State on April 6, for registered test-takers. What is required to earn Full CCA Status? a) If an applicant earns a bachelor’s degree with 15 semester/23 quarter credits of agricultural sciences, the applicant will need at least 2 years of crop advising experience, which can include internship and college work experience. b) If an applicant earns an associate degree with 15 semester/23 quarter credits of agricultural sciences, the applicant will need at least 3 years of crop advising experience. c) If the applicant does not hold a degree, they are required to have 4 years of work experience. **All applicants are required to provide references from 1 employer and 1 client. Please keep in mind, this is a pilot program, so the board is only offering the exam at Fresno State in 2019. However, students from any school in California and Arizona may apply for the exam. Space is limited! Only 30 students will sit for this pilot exam. Based on a successful attendance and exam, the WR CCA Board hopes to offer the exam at other schools in the future. For more information, please sign up at wrcca.com/exams or contact Ariana McCray at (916) 928-1625 x8 or ariana@capca.com █

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

• 2019 CCA Exam • The next CCA exam will be Friday February 1, 2019 Registration will be available online from October 1 - December 14, 2018 https://www.certifiedcropadviser.org/exams An exam prep workshop will be held for the State portion of the exam. Friday, November 30, 2018 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Sacramento, CA Cost: $100 Registration available at: https://capca.com/events/ CCA Continuing Education Opportunities For the most recent list see: https://www.certifiedcropadviser.org/ meetings/calendar Exam Registration:

Exam Prep:

CE List:

JUMP-START EARLY SEASON POWDERY MILDEW CONTROL Include Lime-Sulfur Solution In Your IPM Program This Winter

Your Integrated Pest Management program needs a broad-spectrum contact fungicide to control overwintering resistant strains of powdery mildew. DORMANT APPLICATIONS OF LIME-SULFUR SOLUTION™ ENABLE GROWERS TO:

CONSIDER THE BENEFITS:

• Begin the season with less powdery mildew pressure

• It is highly alkaline, so when it contacts a chasmothecium, LIME-SULFUR SOLUTION can penetrate the outer shell, destroying the ascospores inside before they can germinate and infect new tissue.

• LIME-SULFUR SOLUTION works on contact.

• Reduce the overwintering supply of inoculum, including those resistant to Qol and DMI fungicides • Maximize the eﬀectiveness of in-season fungicide applications, because powdery mildew pressures are reduced Control of powdery mildew in vineyards is diﬀ icult and limited by many factors. Starting fungicide applications early helps reduce the population of powdery mildew inoculum and delays the disease onset.

New tissue

• Its small particle size enables LIME-SULFUR SOLUTION to cover targeted surfaces more evenly. • LIME-SULFUR SOLUTION penetrates and sticks to plant surfaces. Once it dries, rainfall and other moisture will not wash it oﬀ.

Spring rain

Always read and follow label instructions.

Free moisture on leaves Ascospores

New tissue Sprinkler irrigation

Micronized sulfu r

LIME-SULFUR SOLUTION

Chasmothecium in the bark

When chasmothecia are allowed to overwinter, spring rains and irrigation prompt the release of ascospores. The ascospores then infect new tissue.

With its small particle size, LIME-SULFUR SOLUTION disperses more evenly and sticks more tenaciously so you get residual control and extended protection.

Meeting will only be accredited with CCA

Nitrogen Management Certification Training March 12-13, 2019

Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet Center, Fresno, CA

$180 registration fee Preregistration and payment required. NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION. REGISTER AT CAPCA.COM/EVENTS beginning December 2018 

This is an ideal resource for CCAs to assist growers with developing Nitrogen Management Programs.



Designed to facilitate WRCCA’s understanding of sound Nitrogen management practices and make informed recommendations to growers.



Topics covered: nitrogen sources, irrigation and nitrogen management, nitrogen budgeting and future resources, and the nitrogen cycle in crop production systems, as well as emphasis on permanent and annual crops and will include nitrogen planning practices

Why Attend:

Open to Current CCAs or CCA Candidates Only CCAs who have previously recieved their CDFA Certificate are not required to repeat course For additional information: 916-928-1625 x 2 or joyce@capca.com

TO LEARN MORE CALL

800-304-2076

Technology and Crop Management Simplified Growers depend upon information to improve yield potential and to manage risk. Applying proper crop protection material is key but having the tools to understand the bigger picture is even more important.

Simplot Smartfarm® aerial imagery provides seven derivatives, including two change derivatives, allowing us to quickly identify areas of concerm.

Water Logic™ Services has developed a result driven, diagnostic process that includes pulling water samples and performing distribution uniformity testing to determine the overall performance of an irrigation system. Just like a doctor might look at temperature, blood pressure, and symptoms to come up with a patient’s diagnosis, Simplot’s Water Logic™ team analyzes water quality, line pressures, and other Simplot Smartfarm® and Simplot’s various indicators to establish Simplot Water LogicTM effective irrigation technology services an Services combine ECsystem treatment Mapping, aerial imagery Combined with naturally fit into the plan. and water distribution Smartfarm® technology, uniformity testing normal process you go we can identify specific to provide accurate areas of a field that could and pertinent data through on your farm be suffering from an for growers and crop irrigation deficit. advisors. These simple technologies are not just pretty pictures. Technology in agriculture doesn’t have to They assist in maximizing overall profits be confusing. In fact, Simplot’s various by ensuring the proper nutrition is being technology services naturally fit into applied at the correct rate, in the precise the normal process you go through on place and at the ideal time. your farm every year, making it easy to incorporate into your operation and current Implementing the Smartfarm® program into practices. From crop advisors scouting your operation means utilizing EC-Mapping fields, to agronomists recommending fertility to identify delineations in the soil to target plans, mapping, imagery services and specific zones for soil sampling. This allows Water Logic™ ensuring irrigation systems you to identify differences in a field and to are at peak performance, Simplot provides track the effects of your fertility plan during a complete full-circle solution for the the season and from season to season. success of our growers. Today, farming routinely utilizes sophisticated technologies like aerial imagery, robots, GPS, temperature and moisture sensors, and satellites. These advanced systems allow a grower to make more informed decisions and to operate more efficiently, more profitably, safer and more environmentally friendly, but can often feel overwhelming. Not anymore.

DECEMBER 2018 | CAPCA ADVISER

Thank You 2018 Sustaining Members PLATINUM Leading Plant Health Innovation and Sustainability Prospering the Farmer Through Responsible Nutrient Management

Crop Science, a division of Bayer Science for a Better Life

• DIAMOND • Agrian,Inc. Certis USA Compass Minerals Corteva Agriscience™ FMC Agricultural Solutions Mar Vista Resources Vegalab The Agronomy Group Wilbur-Ellis Company LLC

• CHROME • Albaugh LLC BioFlora - Global Organics Netafim USA Nichino America, Inc NovaSource Oro Agri, Inc Simplot Grower Solutions Trece, Inc UPI Valent U.S.A. LLC

Manufacturer of Post Patent Crop Protection Products

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Acadian Plant Health AGQ Labs USA Agro-K Corporation Amvac Chemical Corp Arysta LifeScience No. America BASF BioSafe Systems Gar Tootelian, Inc Gowan USA LLC Helena Agri-Enterprises LLC JH Biotech, Inc Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc Meister Media Worldwide Nutrien Ag Solutions FBSciences, Inc Ocean Organics Plant Food Systems Quali Tech, Inc Redox Chemicals LLC STK Bio-ag Technologies Syngenta Crop Protection LLC Tremont Lyman Trical, Inc Westbridge Agricultural Products Western Farm Press Yara North America, Inc

Actagro Ag 1 Source AG RX Agrinos, Inc Agro Logistic Systems, Inc Agroplasma, Inc Baicor, L.C. Bio Ag Services Corp Blue Mountian Minerals California Organic Fertilizers, Inc CDMS, Inc Deerpoint Group, Inc Dellavalle Laboratory, Inc Diversified Waterscapes Duarte Nursery, Inc HELM Agro US, Inc Hortau, Inc Hydrite Chemical Interstate Ag Plastics Isagro USA JCS Marketing Jet Harvest Solutions Key Plex Magna Bon II Monsanto Crop Protection Motomco Nature’s Source North Valley Ag Services Nutrient Technologies, Inc OHP, Inc Organic Ag Products Pacific Biocontrol Corporation Polymer Ag LLC PowWow Energy Wonderful Nurseries Precision Laboratories Zenith Insurance Company Produce Careers, Inc Ratto Bros. Inc Rotam North American San Joaquin Grower Services Solutions 4Earth Spectrum Technologies SQM North America STK Bio-ag Technologies Symborg, Inc Taminco US LLC Terra Aerial Drone Services The Morning Star Packing Co Tiger-Sul Products, LLC Van Beurden Insurance Svcs Western Region Certified Crop Advisers

• SILVER • ADAMA AgroPlantae, Inc Atticus LLC Buttonwillow Warehouse Central Life Sciences Drexel Chemical Company EarthSol Heliae Agriculture J.G. Boswell Company Miller Chemical and Fertilizer Nature Safe Natural & Organic Fertilizers Nufarm Americas, Inc S.P. McClenahan, Inc Suterra LLC Target Specialty Products Verdesian Life Sciences

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

DECEMBER 2018 | CAPCA ADVISER

Special to the Adviser

Understanding soil health Zouheir Massri, Ph.D, AgroLiquid Soil Physics & Fertility Research Manager, North Central Research Station

Agriculture often gets a bad rap for contributing to environmental problems. And, in fact, we have learned many lessons about how we treat the soil. We know that thousands of years of plowing, deforestation, and erosion have left some soils in dire shape. When the soil is degraded, it releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and this has had serious consequences for the climate. However, healthy soil can be a major sink for carbon, meaning it actually removes carbon from the atmosphere. But this fact hasn’t been well-known. Agricultural practices like no-till farming, increasing crop diversity, the inclusion of cover crops, application of microbial products, and composting, are all proven ways to put carbon back into the soil. However, increased tariffs and farm economics, and increased regulations complicate the process of farming, and therefore land stewardship. While growers are understandably trying to maximize crop yield, they also need to work toward a renewed commitment to the land. Sound agronomic decisions enable environmental benefits and a better cropping system. Soil, as a dynamic natural body, is teeming with life that performs numerous ecosystem functions including recycling of dead and 52

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

decaying organic matter into plant nutrients. Plants cannot differentiate between nutrients supplied by organic and/or inorganic amendments. Therefore, replacing what is taken out of the soil to produce a crop will keep it fertile and productive as possible. The strategy is to shift from soils cultivated with marginal inputs to soils economically managed to unlock the soil’s potential and make organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium available to plant uptake. What is “soil quality”? Soil quality is related to soil functions - or what it does - and the three dimensions of soil health represented by the biological, physical, and chemical compounds. To improve soil quality, the soil’s capacity, as a dynamic and biologically active entity must be improved. This serves to sustain multiple ecosystems. So, soil health is a finite and dynamic living resource. The difficulty lies in that the three-dimensional aspects of soil health may not directly or immediately impact crop yield. With growers already facing difficult markets, this can pose a real economic concern. But, the long-term impact of increasing the productivity of the soils can have a positive impact on a grower’s bottom line. A vital and healthy soil will be highly adverse to environmental threats and will suppress disease.

Root-mediated rhizospheric communication with soil microbes and soil organic carbon is considered the most diverse and integrated ecosystem thus providing an improved environment for soil health. All organisms in the biosphere need nitrogen to build their DNA, RNA and protein molecules. Because plants transfer carbon into the soil via photosynthesis, the nitrogen cycle becomes critical to building strong healthy soil. Current research indicates that the length of time soil carbon persists in humus and other soils organic carbon components depend on many ecosystem interactions between soil organic carbon and microbes, minerals, moisture, and temperature. The arising question now becomes how growers measure soil health and improve it in a manner that is economically viable. Is it a management system to adopt and improve, or it is a parameter to routinely measure, and finally how to couple soil health with yield. In agriculture, improved management practices have to make sense in dollars and cents. Sustainable agriculture means stewardship of the land, air, and water – but it also means doing this in a way that is profitable over the long-term. Sustaining, and further improving crop yield, is the best objective of soil health. Continuous improvement of crop yield is extremely dependent on how we plan to invest and sustain the soil ecosystem to withstand environmental threats and stripping of key nutrients needed to sustain agriculture. Soil microbial respiration activity tests directly measure biological activity and are the best indicator of the biological status of the soil community. Unfortunately, soil microbial activity respiration tests are still expensive, few laboratories are conducting the test, and it is time-consuming. One problem we have environmentally in agriculture is water quality – nitrates and phosphorus are leaching into the water supply. The more organic matter in the soil, the more water-holding capacity it has, so less nitrates and phosphorus are leached into the water system. When plants photosynthesize using the sun’s energy, they take carbon dioxide from the air, and transform it into carbon the plant uses to grow leaves, stems, and roots, and store the excess carbon in the surrounding soil. The stored carbon feeds microbes and fungi, which in turn provide nutrients for the plant. Increased microbial biomass means enhancement of communication between microbes and plant roots in the rhizosphere (the ‘hot spot’ for soil microbes is in this area of soil surrounding plant roots).

However, a recently developed a gel-colorimetric method can appraise soil health using accurate spectrophotometry readings measured directly in the field, without the need of soil preparation, systematic spectrometer calibration, and laboratory incubation. The method was tested in the field and can be run in the lab. We are only beginning to understand what is right beneath our feet. What we do understand is that we need to allow the plants to capture carbon dioxide in their leaves and pump the carbon down through their roots to feed hungry microorganisms living in the soil. █

The microbes supply the roots with minerals and the roots exudates provide the microbes with energy-rich sugar. Nutrients for energy - a fair trade - and the return is great in enhancing the plant’s ability to take up water and nutrients from the soil. The soil microbes, directly and indirectly, mediate about 90% of soil functions in decomposing dead matter into soil organic matter (SOM). The microbes respire carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) to the surrounding soil and air, making essential nutrients, such as nitrogen compounds, available to plants and other soil organisms. This process also results in stored carbon in soil humus, and decomposing humus which releases CO2 to the air via soil respiration. DECEMBER 2018 | CAPCA ADVISER

2019 California Plant and Soils Conference February 5-6, 2019 Doubletree Hotel and Convention Center 2233 Ventura St, Fresno, CA 93721 Registration at: http://calasa.ucdavis.edu/Conference_Registration/ For more information visit the conference website at calasa.ucdavis.edu or contact Eric Ellison: eric.ellison.calasa@gmail.com

CAPCA STAFF CONTACTS

RUTHANN ANDERSON CAPCA President/CEO Adviser Editor ruthann@capca.com (916) 928-1625 x7

JOYCE A. BASAN

Programs/Communications Dir. Adviser Deputy Editor joyce@capca.com (916) 928-1625 x2

SYLVIA STARK

Advertising Sales Manager Advertising/Publications sylvia@capca.com (916) 607-0059 or (916) 928-1625 x9

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

DEE STROWBRIDGE

Membership/Conferences Dir. Sustaining Membership, Acct. dee@capca.com (916) 928-1625 x3

ADAM BARSANTI

Outreach Relations Manager adam@capca.com (916) 928-1625 x6

ARIANA McCRAY

RACHEL TAFT

Executive Assistant Leadership Institute, Grants rachel@capca.com (916) 928-1625 x5

Southern California CAPCA Representative ariana@capca.com (805) 704-3255 or (916) 928-1625 x8

IXCHEL FLANNERY Office Administrator/ Membership Liaison ixchel@capca.com (916) 928-1625 x1

UC IPM

A new type of resistance to glyphosate John Roncoroni, Weed Science Advisor, UCCE Napa and Affiliated IPM Advisor, UC Statewide IPM Program

In recent years a new type of resistance has developed around glyphosate—that from some in the public. Much of this public perception began with the use of ‘Roundup Ready’ genetically modified corn, soybeans and cotton. This resistance grew louder in March of 2015 when the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) ruled glyphosate ‘probably carcinogenic to humans.’ In July of 2017 the State of California Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment added glyphosate to the Prop 65 list—officially known as The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. This act requires the Governor to annually revise and republish the list of chemicals known to California to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. Many other state, national and international agencies have not come to the same conclusion, in fact, ruling that glyphosate does not cause cancer. While the agencies decide the fate of glyphosate, you as PCAs, are faced with clientele who are looking for alternatives to glyphosate. I can separate the questions about glyphosate alternatives into three basic categories: 1. Alternatives to all herbicides: nonchemical methods 2. Alternatives to conventional herbicides: those categorized as alternative or organic 3. Other conventional herbicides How hard is it to replace glyphosate? In other words, why is glyphosate so popular? There are a number of reasons for its popularity, first and foremost it is very effective when used properly. Glyphosate is a nonselective, systemic, postemergence herbicide that is equally effective on grasses and broadleaf weeds. There is no other herbicide that can make this claim. Secondly it is relatively inexpensive; in some cases, downright cheap! And thirdly, most formulations carry a ‘Caution’ signal word, which is the least toxic of the three signal words (Danger, Warning, and Caution) designated for acute toxicity by the U.S. EPA. In my work in grapes I have encountered a number of nonchemical methods of weed control from flaming to sheep to disks to handhoeing. Success of each nonchemical weed control method depends on the weed spectrum, topography, and soil type (especially rocks). Mechanical control can be very effective, but in some instances may increase erosion potential. Timing, especially when considering soil moisture (too wet or too dry), is a major factor in the success of mechanical weed control. My experience in grapes is that many growers successfully use power mechanical cultivators, or blade cultivators. Hand-hoeing is usually very effective but can be cost prohibitive on a large scale and securing enough labor has become

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

problematic. Undervine cover cropping has gained interest in some areas where vertebrate pests, such as voles, are not a serious problem. Choosing a covercrop species that fits into your growing regime is very important. Most growers who use mechanical cultivation as their main weed control method make this decision based on several factors, not just as an alternative to glyphosate. So when they decide on an alternative to glyphosate it is usually with another herbicide, rather than mechanical control. In many cases these growers—and in urban areas many schools, cities and private applicators—have decided to use organic or alternative chemicals to replace glyphosate. Some of these herbicides are exempt under section 25(b) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and do not require registration. These are mostly plant essential oil-based herbicides of clove oil, cinnamon oil, lemongrass oil, and citric acid either alone or a combination. Not on the section 25(b) list and requiring an EPA registration, d-limonene is an orange-oil-based herbicide. Other alternative herbicides with ingredients not on the exempt list and requiring registration by EPA are: acetic acid-based herbicides (20% vinegar) and fatty acid-based herbicides such as pelargonic (nonionic) acid or newer compounds such as caprylic and capric acid. The fatty acid-based herbicides are light yellowish, transparent, oily liquids that have been noted sometimes to have “uncomfortable smells.” A majority of the alternative herbicides have a ‘Warning’ signal word, while some are ‘Danger’ due to potential serious eye damage. All the alternative herbicides have one thing in common—they are postemergence contact herbicides. No matter if they are categorized as an oil, acid, or other, none at this time have systemic activity or are effective as preemergence herbicides. All of these herbicides can be effective on small annual broadleaf and grass weeds. As the weeds mature the effectiveness of alternative herbicides declines, especially with grasses. The growing point for grasses is at or just below the soil line, which may allow these grass weeds to grow back. Effectiveness on perennial weeds is limited to the reduction of top-growth biomass that may eventually reduce the plants reserves and regrowth. The last category is conventional herbicides that aren’t glyphosate. There are a lot of options when it comes to herbicides. In grapes, for example, there are sixteen different active ingredients registered as preemergence herbicides, nine as postemergence in bearing grapes plus two in non-bearing grapes. Why haven’t more growers stopped using glyphosate? Because as I stated above: glyphosate is a nonselective, systemic, postemergence herbicide that is equally effective on grasses and broadleaf weeds. There is no other herbicide that does this.

Each of the nonglyphosate conventional herbicides have their drawbacks. Postemergence systemic herbicides such as 2,4-D are effective on broadleaved plants, but not grasses. Sethoxydim and flauzifop are effective on grasses, but not on broadleaf plants. In grapes the postemergence conventional herbicides most often used to replace glyphosate are glufosinate and paraquat, which carry a ‘Warning’ and ‘Danger’ label signal word respectively. Paraquat, carfentrazone, and pyraflufen are effective on broadleaf weeds. Paraquat can control young grasses, but as with all contact herbicides a larger grass may grow back. Glufosinate controls broadleaf weeds and young grasses. Glufosinate works differently than contact herbicides, but often the results are the same with larger weeds that may grow back. A reduced dependence on glyphosate may mean an increased use of preemergence herbicides. Several preemergence herbicides are very effective, but their effectiveness and crop safety depends on several factors including soil type, application timing, and precipitation. Preemergence herbicides are not effective on perennial weeds and in some instances certain compounds may leach into groundwater. Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide in California for both agricultural and urban uses. As outlined above it is effective, inexpensive and considered by many to be among the safest

Learn more at adama.com

herbicides available. Glyphosate changed the way weed control has been implemented, especially since it lost its patent and become inexpensive to use. It was so effective that it controlled almost every weed. The popularity of glyphosate has led to widespread biological resistance by a growing number of weeds and its categorization as a carcinogen increased pressure in some areas for growers and municipalities to reduce or eliminate their use of glyphosate. There are many alternatives to glyphosate with each having their advantages and disadvantages. Using alternative control methods will require more work, including proper weed identification and a strong understanding of weed biology. Alternatives, both chemical and mechanical, can be very effective, but no single method is as effective as glyphosate has been. Remember every weed can be controlled by hand, it’s just a matter of time and money. When asked my thoughts on glyphosate my answer has generally been, ‘Use glyphosate like we did when it was a lot more expensive.’ Use it where it is absolutely the best answer for control, like hard to kill perennial weeds, bermudagrass, and field bindweed for example. For small annual weeds use any of the contact herbicides and a preemergence herbicide once in a while. When you’re asked to make a choice on how to manage weeds, consider the advantages and disadvantages of both glyphosate and its alternatives to choose the best solution. █

FARM ADVISORS

Chemigation with metam at the end of strawberry season can help reduce infestations of nutsedge and soilborne pathogens Oleg Daugovish, Mark Bolda, Anna Howell, Gina Ferrari (UC-ANR) and Peter Henry, UC-Davis At the end of fall-planted strawberry season many problems surface, including pathogen related plant collapse and unrestricted weed growth. Soil-borne pathogens Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae (causing Fusarium wilt) and Macrophomina phaseolina (causing charcoal rot) like warm soil as much as yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus). Strawberry plants stressed with heavy fruit loads try to cool off by transpiring water, but pathogens colonize and block their vascular systems and nutsedge competes for water and resources while producing new tubers for future. It certainly would be nice to do a ‘clean-up’ instead of just burying these problems back in the ground and see them reappear during the next season. MITC (methyl isothiocyanate) generating fumigants can be applied in many troubled fields via existing drip lines at the end of season accompanied by sprinkler irrigation to mitigate potential emissions. These fumigants are short lived, can be very effective and are considerably cheaper than chloropicrin. Ventura county projects: We conducted two trials in 68-inch Oxnard beds with end-season injections via two drip lines per bed in 2015 (213 lbs/acre of

metam sodium) and in 2018 (174 lbs/acre of metam potassium). The collaboration included Advisors and staff from UC ANR and California Strawberry Commission and help from Crop Production Services and cooperating growers. At 2 depths (6 and 12 inches) and 2 locations in strawberry beds (under drip lines and between them) we buried permeable bags containing locally collected nutsedge tubers and sand-mixed Fusarium inoculum and pathogen-infested strawberry crowns with roots. The bags were excavated 12 days after metam fumigation and contents of bags analyzed for viability. Here is what we found out: • Nutsedge tubers germinated 80-100% in untreated soil but after chemigation with metam sodium or metam potassium shoot number was significantly reduced in both years. Nutsedge shoot production was similar at 6 and 12-inch depths but varied among locations in bed. Fumigants reduced shoot production from tubers under drip lines to 0-5% in both years, but between drip lines only to 35% (2015) and 53% (2018). Reduction in efficacy with increased distance from drip emitters is something we observed in several studies with this and other fumigants. Lack of efficacy in bed centers (between drip lines) was also observed above ground in

Figure 1. Tubers of yellow nutsedge germinated readily in untreated soil (left) and failed to germinate near drip lines used for metam sodium application (right)

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

A DV ERTO R I A L

Protect Roots from Nematodes and Replant Problem Nematodes and the Replant Problem

July 2013 – 2.5 years after planting

The replant problem is the unfortunate result of planting trees and vines into soils where nematodes and soil-borne diseases are present. Tree nuts/fruits planted after tree nuts/fruits may experience this problem. Even grapes planted after tree nuts/ fruits experience the problem. Orchards and vineyards suffering from the replant problem show poor growth and poor vigor, often for the entire life of the crop. As root and vegetative growth suffers, so do yields. Using rootstock with nematode and/or disease resistance will not completely stop the problem as no single rootstock is resistant to all species of nematode.

Untreated

Telone® II – broadcast

Why Fumigation is Important The components of the replant problem – nematodes and pathogenic soil organisms – are found throughout the soil profile and several feet deep, making them very difficult to reach with most crop protection products. Telone® soil fumigant is injected 18" deep into the soil as a liquid and quickly converts to a gas. The vapors move through soil pores and eventually dissolve into the soil moisture particles. That movement through the soil is fundamental and essential to the effectiveness of fumigation for pest control. Telone does more than just kill old roots and manage nematodes and soil-borne pathogens; it creates a zone of protection around roots, allowing them to grow better, stronger and faster. The ultimate result: extensive, healthy root systems capable of producing high-yielding, high-quality crops. The increased growth provided by soil fumigation (compared to untreated) is so dramatic that the cost of fumigation is often paid for with the first crop harvested.

University of California, USDA-ARS trial. Merced County.

May 2013 – 5 years after planting Fumigated Untreated

University of California trial. Kings County.

July 2014 – 100 days after planting

Why Crop Uniformity is Important The most efficient use of fertilizer and water – so that there is little overuse or underuse – requires uniform plants. That’s where soil fumigation can help. Replant disease and nematodes can be scattered throughout a field. Nematode “hot spots” are common. These hot spots create areas of an orchard or vineyard where plant growth is different. In a non-uniform crop, either some plants get shortchanged or some inputs are wasted. Telone soil fumigant can help create uniform root systems that lead to above-ground growth that is also uniform.

Treated with Telone Untreated buffer zone

Commercial orchard. Fresno County.

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FARM ADVISORS, CONT., Chemigation with metam

established nutsedge compared to nutsedge above drip lines used for fumigation (Figure 2). • Fusarium microsclerotia in sand bags were an easy target and fumigants provided nearly compete (>99%) control compared to untreated soil. As with nutsedge, pathogen mortality was consistently lower in soil between drip lines compared to locations under drip lines. Fusarium-infested crowns and roots are known to harbor pathogens from fumigants and that was the case in these trials. Viable Fusarium recovery from infested plant material was 50-90% in fumigated soil generally not different from untreated soil. Santa Cruz County Projects: We conducted two trials, one in 2016 and the other in 2017 in a field heavily infested with Fusarium. Beds were 56” wide and metam potassium was injected through the drip irrigation system at 273 lbs/acre at the end of the season. The collaboration included the growers and personnel from AMVAC and SoilFume in Watsonville. In 2016, following end-season fumigation of the beds, plants were mowed, plastic mulch and drip tape removed, bed tops chiseled to loosen soil and new drip tape and mulch installed in reshaped beds. Subsequently, six varieties: Cabrillo, Fronteras, Monterey, Petaluma and San Andreas were planted in fumigated and untreated beds in in a randomized complete block arrangement. Plant canopy growth and fruit yields were evaluated from December 2016 until the end of June of 2017. In 2017, a 5-acre block heavily infested with Fusarium was treated with drip-applied metam potassium at 273 lbs/acre at the end of the season, and an untreated area was included in evaluation. After two weeks, once the re-entry interval was over, 20 plant crowns were collected for pathogen analyses from four locations in both treated and untreated beds. As in in 2016, plants were mowed, the bed tops chiseled and in renewed beds six strawberry varieties were planted: Portola, Sweet Ann, Monterey, San Andreas, Radiance and Fronteras. Here is what we found out: • Plant performance following the post crop application of metam potassium was remarkable. In the season following the 2016 application, all six tested varieties significantly outperformed the untreated check. Fruit yield increases in the treated plots over the untreated were as follows: 127% in Fronteras, 630% in Cabrillo, 52% in Monterey, 75% in Petaluma and 166% in San Andreas. • In the 2017 metam potassium application for crop termination significantly improved fruit production of Monterey (26%) compared to untreated control. However, yield increases for Sweet Ann (13%), Portola were (17%), Fronteras (35%) and in San Andreas (44 %), were not sufficient to statistically separate (at P=0.05) fumigated plots from untreated control for these varieties. In the 2017 trial, Fusarium incidence was reduced in treated strawberry crowns by 75%. This finding is extremely important for our continuing approach to managing Fusarium in strawberry since the bulk of this disease is found in plant material and reductions of this magnitude will be very important in reducing disease. 60

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

Figure 2. Established yellow nutsedge turned yellow above drip lines used for metam potassium end-season injection and remained green in bed centers most distant from drip lines.

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Strawberry field in Camarillo, California, showing VAPAM at 40 gallons per acre versus untreated seven days after application. burn-down are effective ways to manage soil diseases. However, it is important to remember that fumigation is not sterilization. “With crop termination, you can knock down the number of pathogens where you can economically and viably grow the crop,” said Doyle. “With crop termination, you never take the pathogens to zero. When we’ve used VAPAM for burn-down followed by an application of Chloropicrin at preplant, it has been successful.” Doyle also recommends a rotation in chemistry to ensure crop protection products continue to hold its half-life and work effectively. Bryan Gresser’s company grows strawberries in Oxnard, Salinas, and Santa Maria, California. When using K-PAM, Gresser says he has seen positive results. “K-PAM has really helped on the ranches where we have nutsedge,” said Gresser. “I knew it also wouldn’t hurt on the disease side as well. Once we lost methyl bromide,

we started seeing Macrophomina coming in. We think K-PAM is helping with the Macrophomina, but we’ve got to test it for another year or two. We are using K-PAM at preplant and for crop termination to see which way works better.” Eliminating soil pests early is ideal for a best possible strawberry crop. Strawberries are susceptible to early-season weed competition when the plants are small and frequent irrigation provides ideal conditions for weed germination. When applied at the correct rate, time and with the right application method, K-PAM and VAPAM also control common chickweed, purslane and malva. From product knowledge to stewardship training and regulatory support, the AMVAC team is available to ensure that strawberry growers get the most from their fumigant application. For more information on AMVAC’s VAPAM and K-PAM soil fumigants, visit www.amvac-chemical.com. Always read and follow label directions.

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FARM ADVISORS, CONT., Chemigation with metam

Figure 3. ‘Sweet Ann’ strawberry decline due to Fusarium wilt at Santa Cruz County project site. Summary: Metam sodium and metam potassium provided very good control of a troublesome soil pathogen and a perennial weed, however, distribution of fumigants in soil was likely insufficient to provide lethal concentrations in areas distant from drip lines. Survivorship in those areas may lead to future infestations. In previous years we evaluated fumigation via four lines instead of two and adding lines improved lateral distribution across bed (and pest control and strawberry performance) but we did not see differences below 12-inch depth. Additionally, lignified plant materials such as crowns and thick roots containing Fusarium can remain a source of pathogen inoculum since fumigation did not provide adequate control. Higher rate of metam used at Santa Cruz County site, compared to Ventura was likely a lot more effective in reducing Fusarium survivorship in crowns and should be considered in infested fields. Flat fumigation via shanks, especially with destruction of infested crowns showed great improvements in fumigant efficiency in previous studies but is an expensive investment. There are a couple very important points coming out of this work. First, it only underlines the utility of the crop termination approach in strawberry for managing the tremendous production reducing potential of Fusarium and nutsedge. Secondly, it also demonstrates the folly of thinking that varieties such as San Andreas and Fronteras, which are both ostensibly highly tolerant to Fusarium, are immune to its effects. They are clearly not and serve as hosts for the pathogen. The long-term soil-borne pest management should integrate variety resistance, production strategies and fumigation, including the end-season fumigation with MITC generator products. █

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

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DECEMBER 2018 | CAPCA ADVISER

FARM ADVISORS

Trouble comes in pairs: Invasive stink bugs in California Jesús R. Lara1, Charlie Pickett2, Eugene Hannon3, Lisa Gonzalez4, Samuel Figueroa1, Mariana Romo1, Christopher Cabanas1, Vanessa Bazurto1, Vincent Strode1, Kristen Briseno1, Michael Lewis1, Joseph Corso5, Merilee Atkinson6, Mark Hoddle1 University of California, Riverside; California Department of Food and Agriculture; 3 Fresno County Department of Agriculture; 4 Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County; 5 Long Beach Organic, Inc.; 6 Long Beach Community Garden Association 1

Worldwide, stink bugs are an economically important insect group that can be injurious to food crops. California (CA) has more than 70 stink bug species, a mixture of non-native and native species (Froeschner 1988; Lara et al. 2016). Among the non-natives are bagrada bug (BB; Bagrada hilaris) and brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB; Halyomorpha halys). Their invasion into CA poses a considerable threat to the state’s specialty crop production and has triggered the development of pest management programs. Both stink bugs use their needle-like mouthparts to pierce and feed on plants and fruit, which may cause economic damage. With respect to BMSB and BB, there are notable differences and similarities in their invasion ecology which have influenced management programs in CA. 64

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

BB was first detected in the U.S. in CA (Los Angeles County) during 2008 and follow-up DNA analyses indicate CA populations originated from Pakistan (Reed et al. 2013; Sforza et al. 2017). In the U.S., BB has been recorded on 32 host plants from 8 families (Bundy et al. 2018). However, BB is mainly a pest threat to cultivated cole crops (Brassicaceae), including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. Feeding damage from BB causes stunted/malformed vegetative growth, wilting, and stippling (Fig 1). Severe damage symptoms from BB feeding, leading to plant death, are commonly observed with direct-seeded cole crops. BB’s distribution in the U.S. is limited to southwestern states (CA, AZ, NV, NM, TX, and UT) and it thrives in warm climates, more so than BMSB. BB’s current CA distribution ranges from Imperial Valley to parts of the Sacramento Valley, for a total of 22 invaded CA counties (Bundy et al. 2018). In CA, BB has peak activity occurring in spring and fall months, coinciding with the cole crop field season in agricultural areas in the state (Reed et al. 2013). It is estimated that during 2010-2014 BB generated >10% stand losses and plant injury to commercial broccoli crops in AZ and CA (Bundy et al. 2018). When BMSB was first detected CA in 2002 (Riverside County) and breeding populations were confirmed in 2006 (Los Angeles County), it was already established on the East Coast where it arrived during the 1990s from Asia (Lara et al. 2016). Presently, BMSB has been recorded in 44 U.S. states on more than 100 host plant species from 56 families, including economically important vegetable, fruit, and nut specialty crops (NIC 2016). BMSB’s feeding on fruit and nuts, for example, results in external peel discoloration and internal necrotic tissue (Fig 2). BMSB has Main photo at top, Bagrada damage on kale, by Gevork Arakelian.

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FARM ADVISORS, CONT., Invasive stink bugs in California

(A)

(B)

Fig 1. (A) Adult bagrada bugs on damaged sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima, an ornamental brassica). (B) Feeding injury visible as wilting and lighter yellow-green blotches on kale. Photos used with permission from G. Arakelian.

a wider geographic distribution (establishment and detection) in CA than BB, ranging from Siskiyou County in the north to San Diego County in the south. Peak activity occurs during summer months. As of October 2018, BMSB is known to be established in 17 CA counties and it has been detected in 18 additional counties, where breeding populations have not been confirmed. BMSB appears to be gradually spreading from highly urbanized areas in the Sacramento Valley to the San Joaquin Valley where high marketvalue specialty crops like almonds and grapes are grown. BMSB feeding damage on commercial produce was recorded for the first time on peaches in 2016 and almonds in 2017 growing in Stanislaus County (Eddy 2018; Rijal and Gyawaly 2018). BB and BMSB are established in important agricultural regions like the San Joaquin Valley (BMSB and BB) and Imperial Valley (BB), where they represent a threat to a variety of commercial food crops. Incipient pest management programs for these two invasive pests continue to evolve in response to new infestations in CA. The BB and BMSB IPM programs in the U.S. generally include population monitoring in combination with biological and chemical control options, with aspects of both still in development (see Bundy et al. 2018; Hamilton et al. 2018). For monitoring BB, pyramid traps baited with freshly crushed sweet alyssum exhibited some promise, but commercial plant-derived attractants are currently not available (UC IPM 2014a, Bundy et al. 2018). Interestingly, our BMSB monitoring studies in different parts of 66

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

CA have demonstrated that the commercial BMSB pheromone is attractive to BB and using the pheromone is cost effective in detecting BMSB at low densities when combined with sticky panel traps (Fig 3). Having a functional low-cost monitoring system that can track several stink bugs of economic importance is a win-win situation for the implementation of IPM practices. The BMSB pheromone-panel trap combination is versatile and can be hung from tree branches or staked to the ground along the perimeter of orchard blocks (Fig 3). However, research is needed to determine action thresholds for triggering BMSB and BB treatments based on traps captures in CA. Pesticide bioassays have identified active ingredients that could be used for BMSB and BB control (Palumbo et al. 2015; Kuhar and Kamminga 2017). Some of the efficacious products identified from experiments are registered for control of other insect pests in CA. Products with bifenthrin, for example, are registered for control of native stink bugs like Uhlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Chlorochroa uhleri) and red-shouldered (Thyanta pallidovirens) on crops like pistachios and almonds (UC IPM 2014b). While useful, some insecticides may negatively impact communities of beneficial insects, such as egg parasitoids and generalist predators, and may have limited residual activity against repeated stink bug infestations thereby necessitating repeat applications throughout the growing season (Hamilton et al. 2018). Consequently, pesticide applications should be properly timed to optimize control benefits and regular

DECEMBER 2018 | CAPCA ADVISER

FARM ADVISORS, CONT., Invasive stink bugs in California

➚ ➘

➘

Fig 2. BMSB adult with extended needle-like mouthpart (red arrow) on a pistachio nut (inset). BMSB feeding causes internal necrotic feeding damage to developing kernel (black arrows). Photos used with permission from J. Lara and M. Lewis.

monitoring of pest populations can help with this. To reduce overreliance on chemical control, consideration should be given to other pest management options, like biological control, which can target stink bug pests at vulnerable stages of their life cycle. Under laboratory conditions, a single mated BB and BMSB female can lay an average of 95 and 240 eggs, respectively, (Halpert and Eger 2008; Lee et al. 2013) which suggests these pests have high potential for rapid population growth, especially BB which is capable of multiple generations in warmer areas of the U.S. (Bundy et al. 2018). In the field, eggs hatch into highly mobile nymphs which eventually grow into an even bigger triple threat: hungry, flight-capable, reproductive adults. One sustainable approach for suppressing stink bug populations in CA would be to target the egg stage with natural enemies. At the onset of BB and BMSB infestations in CA, effective resident natural enemies closely associated with these pests were lacking. Their initial absence may, in part, explain the spread and buildup of BMSB and BB populations over time in the state, but this situation is changing. A cost-effective solution for BMSB and BB control in CA could be classical biological control. This is a science-based strategy that aims to reunite pests in invaded regions with their co-evolved natural enemies sourced from the pest’s native range.

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

The concept of classical biological control is simple: introduce and establish species of specialized parasitoids from the home range of the target pests that attack stink bug eggs. Establishment of an effective natural enemy could dampen the potential for rapid population growth of invasive stink bugs in invaded areas. Ideally, parasitoid species with strong specificity for target stink bugs should be used in biological control programs. Strong specificity for the pest helps ensure that non-target stink bug species (some of which are beneficial because they are predatory) are not put at unnecessary risk of attack from the introduced natural enemy. On the classical biocontrol front, a collaborative partnership between the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, the CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture, the University of CA Riverside, and affected stakeholders, are leading efforts in evaluating the safety (in a secure quarantine facility) of egg parasitoid species that were sourced from the respective home ranges of each pest (Lara et al. 2016; Sforza et al. 2017). These natural enemies are Trissolcus hyalinipennis (sourced from Pakistan) and Trissolcus japonicus (sourced from China) for BB and BMSB control, respectively (Fig 4). Surprisingly, self-introduced populations of both parasitoid species have been detected in the U.S. Trissolcus hyalinipennis, the BB egg parasitoid, was detected in Riverside and Los Angeles Counties in 2017 (Ganjisaffar et al. 2018; BioSCAN Project). Trissolcus japonicus, the

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FARM ADVISORS, CONT., Invasive stink bugs in California

Fig 3. (A) Sticky panel trap baited with BMSB pheromone staked to the ground (on a 5 ft. wooden stake) in a tomato field in Orange County. Several stink bug species of interest and associated natural enemies have been captured on this trap: (B) red arrow = Astata sp., (a predatory wasp that attacks stink bugs), (C) orange arrow = Bagrada hilaris (BB in main text), (D) blue arrow = Murgantia histrionica, (E) black arrow = brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB in main text). Yellow circle positioned over scutellum of the relatively larger M. histrionica (generally 8-11.5 mm in length) and smaller B. hilaris (4-6 mm) further highlights morphological differences between these two similar looking stink bugs. In M. histronica, two orange stripes meet to form a cross-like pattern. In B. hilaris, the transverse strip is absent. Photos used with permission from J. Lara and M. Lewis. BMSB egg parasitoid, self-established in Mid-Atlantic states (first detected in MD in 2014) and the Pacific Northwest (first detected in WA in 2015), but has not been detected in CA (Lara et al. 2016; Hedstrom et al. 2017). These developments have expanded research efforts to detect (in the case of T. japonicus) or monitor the spread (in the case of T. hyalipennis) of these egg parasitoid species in CA. With respect to detecting T. japonicus in CA, collaborations with managers of community and botanical gardens, 70

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

and commercial orchards, have provided access to sites infested with BMSB, including areas near major ports in Los Angeles County. The objective of these survey efforts is to determine whether or not T. japonicus is attacking BMSB eggs in CA. As the biocontrol research unfolds, you can assist as a community scientist with BMSB and BB monitoring in CA. If you suspect you have found one of these pests in any part of CA, please take a

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FARM ADVISORS, CONT., Invasive stink bugs in California

Fig 4. (A) A group of Trissolcus japonicus females parasitizing a BMSB egg mass in the UC Riverside Insectary & Quarantine Facility. (B) A few weeks later, individual adult parasitoids will emerge from each parasitized egg. picture and share your observation(s) on iNaturalist (https://www.inaturalist.org/). The iNaturaist app is available for free download and is compatible with most major smartphone platforms. Furthermore, if you suspect you found one of these pests in a new, previously un-infested part of CA, please contact your local Ag. Commissioner’s Office or the authors of this publication. █

References

Bundy CS, Perring TM, Reed DA, Palumbo JC, Grasswitz TR, Jones WA. 2018. Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister). In JE McPherson (ed.), Invasive stink bugs and related species (Pentatomoidea): Biology, higher systematics, semiochemistry, and management. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL. Eddy D. 2018. Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Officially Deemed Pest of California Almonds. https://www.growingproduce.com/nuts/brownmarmorated-stink-bug-officially-deemed-pestcalifornia-almonds/ Froeschner RC. 1988. Family Pentatomidae, pp. 544–597. In TJ Henry and RC Froeschner (eds.), Catalog of the heteroptera, or true bugs of Canada and the Continental United States. Brill, Leiden, The Netherlands. Ganjisaffar F, Talamas EJ, Bon MC, Gonzalez L, Brown BV, Perring TM. 2018. Trissolcus hyalinipennis Rajmohana & Narendran (Hymenoptera, Scelionidae), a parasitoid of Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae), emerges in North America. J Hymen Res 65:111–130. doi:10.3897/ jhr.65.25620 Halbert SE, Eger JE. 2008. Bagrada bug (Bagrada hilaris) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) an exotic pest of cruciferae established in the Western USA. http://oregonstate.edu/ dept/nurspest/bagrada-bug-pest-alert%20 Florida2008.pdf

Hamilton GC, Joon-Ahn J, Bu W, Leskey TC, Nielsen AL, Park Y-L, Rabitsch W, Hoelmer KA. 2018. Halyomorpha halys (Stål). In JE McPherson (ed.), Invasive stink bugs and related species (Pentatomoidea): Biology, higher systematics, semiochemistry, and management. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL. Hedstrom C, Lowenstein D, Andrews H, Bai B, Wiman N. 2017. Pentatomid host suitability and the discovery of introduced populations of Trissolcus japonicus in Oregon. J Pest Sci 90:1169–1179. Kuhar TP, Kamminga K. 2017. Review of the chemical control research on Halyomorpha halys in the USA. J Pest Sci 90:1021–1031. doi:10.1007/s10340-017-0859-7 Lara JR, Pickett C, Ingels C. 2016. Biological control program is being developed for brown marmorated stink bug. Calif Agr. 70:15-23. doi:https://doi.org/10.3733/ca.v070n01p15 Lee D-H, Short BD, Joseph SV, Bergh JC, Leskey TC. 2013. Review of the Biology, Ecology, and Management of Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. J Environ Entomol 42:627–641. doi:http://dx.doi. org/10.1603/EN13006 [NIC] Northeastern IPM Center. 2016. Host plants of the brown marmorated stink bug in the U.S. (http://www.stopbmsb.org/where-isbmsb/host-plants/).

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

Palumbo JC, Prabhaker N, Reed DA, Perring TM, Castle SJ, Huang, TA-I. 2015. Susceptibility of Bagrada hilaris (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) to insecticides in laboratory and greenhouse bioassays. J Econ Entomol 108:672–682. doi:10.1093/jee/tov010 Reed DA, Palumbo JC, Perring TM, May C. 2013. Bagrada hilaris(Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), an invasive stink bug attacking cole crops in the Southwestern United States. J Integr Pest Mang. 4:C1-C7. doi:10.1603/ IPM13007 Rijal J, Gyawaly S. 2018. Characterizing Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Injury in Almond, a New Host Crop in California. Insects. doi:10.3390/insects9040126 Sforza RFH, Bon MC, Martel G , Augé M , Roche M, Mahmood R, Smith L. 2017. Initial Evaluation of two native egg parasitoids for the control of Bagrada hilaris, an invasive stink bug in western USA. https://www.cabi.org/ISC/ FullTextPDF/2017/20173267497.pdf UC IPM. 2014a. Pests in gardens and landscapes (bagrada bug). http://ipm.ucanr. edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74166.html UC IPM. 2014b. Agriculture: pistachio pest management guidelines (stink bugs). https:// www2.ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/pistachio/ stink-bugs/

ADVERTORIAL

A Soil Amendment for the 21st Century

FOR MANY CALIFORNIA GROWERS, accumulation of salts in the crop root zone is a serious concern. Ironically, one of the main sources of these salts, irrigation water, is also the solution to the problem. Only water leaches salts from the root zone, which is why experts have preached about leaching requirements for many years. The question then becomes, how can the efficiency of water applied for leaching be improved? The answer, in part, is soluble calcium. When calcium is added to sodium affected soils, soil structure is greatly improved as the calcium displaces sodium from the soil exchange sites causing soil colloids to flocculate. Soil pore sizes then increase, and water can move more freely into and throughout the soil profile, carrying with it potentially harmful ions like sodium and chloride and lowering the overall soil electrical conductivity (EC). For decades, gypsum has been the product recommended to deliver calcium to soils, and while gypsum generally gets the job done, it has 3 major limitations: solubility, placement and timing.

Solubility - Standard solution grade gypsum has a solubility of 2.41 grams per liter of water. This means that gypsum broadcast applied at a one ton per acre rate would require 100,000 gallons of water (0.306 ac-ft) to fully dissolve. Additional irrigation water will be required for the calcium in gypsum to enter the soil solution California rainfall is not sufficient. Placement – When irrigation water is used for leaching, it is important that the calcium soil amendment is applied exactly where water is applied, when broadcasting gypsum a portion of the product will be applied outside of the irrigation wetting pattern rendering it useless. Timing – Most gypsum is fall applied, while this is useful when applied as part of a winter leaching program, the reality is that by the time the growing season arrives, most of the applied gypsum will have moved below the soil surface, so infiltration issues may return when crops need water most. There is a better option. CaTs® (0-0-0-10S-6Ca) from Crop Vitality™ is a viable alternative for growers who want fast and effective sodium displacement. CaTs® is a neutral to basic, chlorine-free, clear liquid soil amendment. The strengths of CaTs® cover all of gypsum’s weaknesses. Solubility - The calcium in CaTs® is soluble, so the calcium immediately interacts with soil colloids upon application. Placement - CaTs® can be applied through all irrigation system types and goes where the water goes. Timing - Due to the liquid form of CaTs® it can be applied whenever irrigation is running and requires no additional trips through the field. For more information on how CaTs® can help manage soil salinity issues, start a conversation with your Crop Vitality Specialist today. CATEGORY

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Application Methods

Inject through all types of irrigation systems; CaTs® goes where the water goes

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Na Na

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2019 CAPCA Ed & Chapter Events

DATE

LOCATION

EVENT TITLE

SPONSOR

01/24/19

Bakersfield

Kern Chapter Label Update Meeting

Kern Chapter

02/07/19

Stockton

Central Valley Chapter CE Meeting

Central Valley Chapter

02/07/19

Visalia

Tulare-Kings Chapter Label Update

Tulare-Kings Chapter

02/13/19

Santa Paula

Ventura Chapter CE Meeting

Ventura Chapter

03/ 12-13 /19

Fresno

CDFA/UC Nitrogen Certification

CAPCA State Office

03/14/19

Fresno

Fresno-Madera Chapter Spring Update

Fresno-Madera Chapter

03/20/19

Ontario

CAPCA Ed CE Meeting

CAPCA Ed & UC ANR

03/26/19

Pleasant Hill

San Francisco Chapter CE Meeting

SF Bay Chapter

03/28/19

Atascadero

Central Coast Chapter CE Meeting

Central Coast Chapter

04/11/19

Brawley

Desert Valleys Golf Event & CE Mtg

Desert Valleys Chapter

04/ 16-17 /19

Temecula

CAPCA Spring Summit

CAPCA State Office

04/30/19

San Jose

CAPCA Ed CE Meeting

CAPCA Ed

05/02/19

Pomona

SoCal Chapter CE Meeting

SoCal Chapter

05/16/19

Imperial

Desert Valleys CE Meeting

Desert Valleys Chapter

06/05/19

Escondido

Nursery Greenhouse Seminar

San Diego Chapter

06/11/19

Palm Desert

CAPCA Ed & UC ANR

CAPCA Ed

06/12/19

Santa Paula

Ventura Chapter CE Meeting

Ventura Chapter

06/13/19

Blythe

Desert Valleys CE Meeting

Desert Valleys Chapter

08/01/19

La Quinta

Desert Valleys CE Meeting

Desert Valleys Chapter

08/15/19

Simi Valley

CAPCA Ed CE Meeting

CAPCA Ed

08/22/19

Atascadero

Central Coast Chapter CE Meeting

Central Coast Chapter

09/05/19

Sacramento

CAPCA Ed CE Meeting

CAPCA Ed

09/10/19

San Jose

SF Bay Chapter CE Meeting

SF Bay Chapter

09/11/19

Santa Paula

Ventura Chapter CE Meeting

Ventura Chapter

09/11/19

Escondido

San Diego Chapter CE Meeting

San Diego Chapter

09/12/19

Fresno

Fresno-Madera CE Meeting

Fresno-Madera Chapter

10/09/19

Arcadia

CAPCA Ed CE Meeting

CAPCA Ed & UC ANR

11/ 3-5 /19

Reno, NV

CAPCA 45th Annual Conference

CAPCA State Office

11/07/19

Tulare

Tulare-Kings Chapter CE Meeting

Tulare-Kings Chapter

11/14/19

Imperial

Desert Valleys CE Meeting

Desert Valleys Chapter

11/14/19

Fresno

Fresno-Madera Label Update

Fresno-Madera Chapter

12/04/19

Escondido

San Diego Chapter CE Meeting

San Diego Chapter

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

AdvertoriAl

Three Year Independent Almond Trial Demonstrates Effectiveness of Agro-K’s Foliar Program on Yield and Tree Growth A focus on the 5R’s (right nutrient, right form, right time, right mix and right place) leads to statistically significant yield results three straight years while also improving tree growth

Almond Trial Var. Independence

LB Nutmeat/Acre

Two Bees Ag Research – Escalon CA

3049

2938 2451 a

b P.012

3563

3462

b P.081

b P.001

2445 514

487

2015 n Grower Standard Program (GSP)

2016 n GSP + Agro-K Program

Maximizing profitability in your almond orchard starts with maximizing nut set every year. Achieving consistency in set and minimizing alternate bearing cycles is the key to consistent yields and higher profits. The secret is ensuring the tree has the right nutrients at the right time in the right forms and right mix. Agro-K’s carbohydrate based foliar line including Vigor-SeaCal, Vigor-CalBor-Moly and Zinc Plus +5 DL, are designed to help growers meet peak nutrient timings in the crop cycle.

The energy requirements to maximize cell division and nut fill is significant and requires large, healthy, and efficient functioning leaves. Zinc is essential for maximum leaf development, vascular function and root growth. Magnesium is critical for chlorophyll. Manganese is required for proper root development and nitrogen utilization. Agro-K’s Zinc +5 D.L. provides these key nutrients helping maximize leaf surface area, chlorophyll and root growth. Yield results of three consecutive years of replicated data, on the same trees, are shown in the charts. The increases on the treated plots equaled 486, 514 and 1017 lbs./ac in 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively. These nut meat yields were statistically different from the grower standard practice all three years. This is an average annual yield increase of 25% over the three year period. The trial was replicated six times on 4th, 5th and 6th leaf Independence variety almonds using the same replicate plots in both years to demonstrate not only efficacy of a complete foliar and soil nutrient program but also the cumulative benefits of the Agro-K program built on sound agronomic principals and designed to maximize yield and minimize alternate bearing.

2017 n Difference

Almonds naturally tend towards alternate bearing. Meeting peak nutrient demand at all stages of crop growth and tree development is critical to maximizing tree growth and health in the current year and to set the stage for next year’s production. Achieving consistent above average yields year over year requires a thorough understanding of plant physiology and nutrient demands, the right tools to address the nutrient requirements on a timely basis, and the commitment to stick to a long-term Science-Driven approach to nutrient management.

Tree Growth Trunk Growth: ‘Independance’ Almonds Escalon CA 2014-2017

Trunk Diameter in Inches

Nut set can be influenced by boron which enhances pollination. Calcium is synergistic with boron and enhances its affect. Molybdenum plays a direct role in nut set and retention. Agro-K’s Vigor-Cal-Bor-Moly is the perfect mix to apply from pink bud to early bloom. Applying Vigor-SeaCal with AgroBest 9-24-3 just prior to and during the bloom period provides rapid penetration, uptake and translocation of calcium and phosphate to help drive cell division setting the stage for large, dense nuts with maximum weight.

1017

7.9

5.1

6.0

5.2

6.4

10/6/2014

10/28/2015

Agro-K applications started February 2015

6.5 a

7.1

10/4/2016

10/7/2017

n Grower Standard Program (GSP) n GSP + Agro-K Program

AGRO-K CORpORAtiOn 8030 Main Street, NE • Minneapolis, MN 55432 • 800-328-2418 • www.agro-k.com

DECEMBER 2018 | CAPCA ADVISER

CAPCA 2019 Sustaining Membership Levels BRONZE

SILVER

GOLD

$600

$2,000

$3,000

$5,000

$10,000

$25,000

Sustaining Member Acknowledgement on the CAPCA website and in each issue of the Adviser

✔

Subscription(s) to Adviser Magazine

Job Opportunities Posting in Adviser

Unlimited

Subscription(s) to Applicator Alerts

50% Ad Discount in Applicator Alerts

Business Card Size Only

Any Ad Size

✔

Adviser Advertorial*

1**

Comp Conference Registration(s)

$100

$200

$300

BENEFITS

½ Page Adviser Ad (October issue excluded) Complimentary Mailing Labels Early Reservation for Conference Exhibit Booth

(Opens March 2019 to Bronze and April 2019 to non-members)

Conference Exhibit Booth Discount (Limit 4)

One-Page Ad in Adviser

CHROME DIAMOND PLATINUM

✔

Pathway to PCA Outreach (Logo Acknowledgement)

✔

Adviser Magazine Outsert

(October issue excluded, 2 pg limit) *

October issue fills quickly, first come, first served

** October issue guaranteed if booked by Feb. 2019

To negotiate customizable benefits at the Platinum or Diamond level, contact Ruthann Anderson: (916) 928-1625

For all other levels, contact Dee Strowbridge: (916) 928-1625

- ADVERTORIAL -

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ONLINE

EVENTS

Courses Accredited In California •

Biological Fungicides in IPM Strategies and Pesticide Safety Techniques

• • • •

Managing Spray Drift to Minimize Problems

• • • • •

VOC Regulations

• • • •

California Groundwater Protection Regulations

• • •

Disease Management for California Almond Production

Biopesticides: Effective Use in Pest Management Programs Current Status of Herbicide Resistance in Weeds Weed Resistance Management in Agronomic Row Crops & Trees, Nuts & Vines Weed Management in Orchards and Vineyards Lepidopterous Pest Management/Pesticide Safety Review Grape Powdery Mildew Control in California Vineyards Mite Control and Integrated Pest Management: Treenut, Pome, Grape, and Strawberry Crops Ant and Broadleaf Weed Control at Almond Harvest Organic/Sustainable Agriculture Production Managing Key Insects in California Almond Orchards/ Principles of IPM The ABCs of MRLs Weed Management in GM Alfalfa: Roundup Ready Alfalfa

BROADCASTING

DECEMBER 2018 | CAPCA ADVISER

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: Some of the following job opportunities may be abbreviated postings. To view the complete posting, please log into your membership access on our website at https://capca.com/my-account/ Pest Control Adviser – North Coast, California AG Unlimited

Summary: The ideal PCA candidate for this position must have a combination of technical and interpersonal skills, and a strong work ethic. Professionalism is essential, since our customer base consists of highly sophisticated and progressive growers. Industry or related work experience is a plus, but not required. Requirements: Solid academic record with a BS Degree (or degree candidate) in an Ag related course of study. Viticulture and/or tree experience is a plus, but not required. A demonstrated interest in plant nutrition is also a plus. The educational requirements and ability to pass the required written tests to become a licensed California Pest Control Advisor, Pest Control Operator and Certified Crop Advisor. Strong interpersonal skills, candidate must have the ability to get along well with co-workers and an educated customer base. Apply: Please send resumes to Devin Gordon at devin@pacific.net. If you have questions regarding the position you can call (707) 489-0261.

Technical Sales Agronomist – San Joaquin Valley/Central Coast BioAtlantis Ltd.

Summary: BioAtlantis is an Irish based company and a world leader providing proven solutions to crop abiotic stress problems. This position will drive sales of the company and provide agronomic support to growers, CCAs, PCAs and distributors sales people in the use of BioAtlantis solutions according to their own reality and needs. Requirements: Responsible for San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast area (Bakersfield-Sacramento, Salinas-Ventura). Develop and increase sales revenue to meet assigned targets. Provide agronomic direction and advice in product recommendations to targeted customers and distributing company. Conduct field trials in different targeted crops to validate the use of our products. Identify different crop needs for abiotic stress problems and address solutions with a strong technical approach. Minimum Qualifications: Agricultural related bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience. Apply: Please submit resume to hr@bioatlantis.com

Farm Admin & PCA Manager – Lebec, CA Tejon Ranch Co

Summary: Under the direction of the Vice President of Agriculture, inspect all areas maintained by Tejon Ranch for weeds, insects and diseases. Determine proper corrective action consistent with State regulations, and coordinate and perform training on safety requirements and application of chemicals and spray equipment. Requirements: Training for safety and chemicals. Develop and execute pest management strategies for all crops (inspect for weeds, insects and disease). Calibrate all spray rigs and supervise all pesticide applications. Purchase AG chemicals for farming, landscaping and property maintenance divisions. Develop nutritional budget for all crops through soil and tissue analysis. At least three years of continuous experience in pest control application. College credit in agriculture, horticulture and biology desirable. Possess and maintain valid CA PCA & driver’s license. Effectively communicate. Apply: Submit resume to dspars@tejonranch.com or mail to Tejon Ranch Co, Attention: Denise Spars, PO Box 1000 Lebec, Ca 93243

Technical Sales Representative – Southern and Central CA/AZ Verdesian Life Sciences U.S, LLC

Summary: The Technical Sales Representative (TSR) will be responsible for prospecting, acquiring, and building Verdesian’s base of retailers within an assigned territory selling nutritional and polymer products, including servicing and training potential/newly acquired retailers on product benefits and usage. TSR sales efforts to be supported by strategic marketing plans and product trainings. Requirements: Drive business growth in assigned region calling on and building business with new retailers, establishing a recurring book of business to achieve territory revenue and profit targets. Own the entire sales cycle from cold calling and initial retailer engagement to selling products and managing the retailer. Minimum work experience of 5 years full time exempt sales experience in Agriculture industry. Minimum education of BA or BS degree in Agriculture related field. PCA License required for Technical Sales positions in California. Apply: www.vlsci.com/careers then click on Current Opportunities.

CAPCA ADVISER | DECEMBER 2018

Date

11/29/18 11/29/18 11/30/18 11/30/18 12/5/18 12/5/18 12/5/18 12/6/18 12/6/18 12/7/18 12/11/18 12/12/18 12/12/18 12/12/18 12/12/18 12/12/18 12/13/18 12/17/18 12/18/18 12/18/18 12/19/18 12/19/18

Title

Location

Santa Cruz Ag Comm

Sanford, David

(831)763-8080

Phone

Hrs

OFAC

Douglass, Shannon

(530)680-4545

Agri-Turf Dist Napa Co Ag Comm CAPCA Kings Co Ag Dept Tuolumne Co Ag Comm

Selsted, Paula Stewart, Lisa Vander Mey, Bryan Martinez, Elvis Shutler, Greta

(831)345-5899 (707)253-4357 (760)715-8083 (559)852-2830 (209)533-5691

4 5 4 2 3

PAPA

Faver, Amanda

(831)442-3536

Almond Board Napa Co Ag Comm

Cooper, Spencer Stewart, Lisa

(209)604-3727 (707)253-4357

3 5

FWAA

Nelson, Errin

(509)465-5055

6.5

Agsafe

Kiehn, Theresa

(209)526-4400

FWAA

Nelson, Errin

(509)465-5055

Kings Co Ag Dept Napa Co Ag Comm Yolo Ag Comm Santa Cruz Ag Comm CTN BioNatural Healing College

Martinez, Elvis Stewart, Lisa King, Jenni Sanford, David Kezar, Tommy

(559)852-2830 (707)253-4357 (530)666-8140 (831)763-8080 (512)829-5114

2 2 2 2 6

Sidiqi, Nadir

(909)568-4150

San Diego

CDFA

Esser, Tom

(956)900-5243

4.5

Syracuse, NY

Dukes Root Control

Heffron , Lynn

(315)472-4781

San Diego

CDFA

Esser, Tom

(956)900-5243

Pesticide Laws & Reg Update Watsonville Sustainable/Organic Production on Cloverdale the North Coast Annual Worker Safety Training North Hollywood Recent Advances in Vineyard PM Napa Laws & Reg Update Escondido Vertebrate Pest Control Hanford CE Workshop Sonora PAPA QAC/QAL Test Prep Sacramento Courses The Almond Conference Sacramento PM in Olives Napa Far West Agribusiness Assoc Kennewick, WA Winter Conference Day 1 Pesticide Handler: Instructor of Oroville Trainers Far West Agribusiness Asso Winter Kennewick, WA Conference Day 2 Pesticide Handlers Requirements Hanford Grower Update Napa Worker Safety Woodland PCA Training Laws & Regs Updates Monterey CE Course Las Vegas, NV BioNatural Healing College Pierce’s Disease Research Symposium Sewer Line Root Control Recertification Training Pierce’s Disease Research Symposium

Pomona

Sponsor

Contact

HOLIDAY HOURS FOR CAPCA STATE OFFICE The CAPCA State Office will be closed from Friday, December 21, 2018 at 1:00 pm through Tuesday, January 1, 2019 in observance of the Christmas & New Years holidays. To allow for processing and mailing, all requests for CE hours printouts must be received no later than 12:00 noon on Friday, December 21, 2018.

DECEMBER 2018 | CAPCA ADVISER

Storm, I’m ready for you

When cloudy, grey skies appear during bloom, DuPont™ Fontelis® fungicide will help protect your almond trees. Fontelis delivers both preventative- and post-infection activity against harmful diseases like brown rot blossom blight, Anthracnose, shothole and Botrytis rots. The single active ingredient (FRAC Group 7) gives you the flexibility to rotate, or tank mix, with other modes of action. With Fontelis, you and your trees are ready.