Timing is everything. A well-timed spray program can significantly reduce insects’ threat to almond quality and yield, especially in orchards that lacked winter sanitation efforts.

Here are 3 pests to be ready for this spring:

• Spider Mites
  • Damage: Spider mites feed on leaves, causing leaf stippling and yellowing, and can ultimately lead to defoliation. Heavy populations are characterized by a webbing that forms over tree terminals. If left uncontrolled, mites can reduce vegetative growth the following year and compromise yield.
  • Management: Monitor orchards for spider mites at least once every 2 weeks from March to early May; monitor at least once a week after that. If you begin to see webbing form over tree terminals, a spray mid-April to mid-May will allow the product to get into the leaf before the cuticle hardens off. We suggest spraying with a miticide like Agri-Mek® SC. This miticide/insecticide provides exceptional mite and insect control on both sides of the leaves.

• Peach Twig Borer
  • Damage: Peach twig borer (PTB) can damage growing tree shoots and nuts, causing channels and surface grooves on the nutmeat.
  • Management: Treat after scouting for PTB beginning mid-April. If several strikes are seen in each tree by late April, a spring spray may be required. Minecto Pro® insecticide helps control PTB and prevent other insects like mites and navel orangeworm that normally hatch later in the season.

• Navel Orangeworm
  • Damage: Navel orangeworm (NOW) can damage the nutmeat and leave behind webbing and frass, depending on when they invade the orchard.
  • Management: Proper pre-season cleaning can prevent navel orangeworm spreading in almonds. If there aren’t any mummies present, there is no need to treat in May. But if there are mummies present, keep an eye out for NOW at hullsplit. Applying an insecticide like Minecto Pro after the first NOW egg hatch can manage both NOW and PTB early.

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