California Fruit and Vegetable

Category: Featured Post

  • Florida Citrus Industry Makes Progress in Fight Against Huanglongbing

    A much-anticipated research project on the deadly citrus disease huanglongbing, commonly referred to as “citrus greening” is coming to fruition, marked by the start of another harvest of a key citrus grove in Fort Pierce.

    Harvest on the Millennium Block project, a seven-year University of Florida research project is underway, and researchers will use the data collected from fruit harvested from 2022 to 2026 to analyze how much these potential solutions offer farmers hope against citrus greening, with results expected later this year.

    The damaging crop disease has decimated Florida orange and grapefruit groves, reducing production across all citrus-growing regions, reaching over 80% of the state’s citrus, and the Millennium Block was envisioned as a place where bold risks could be taken in the fight against citrus greening. The Millennium Block, which was planted at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Science’s (UF/IFAS) Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC), in 2019, is now a 5,000-tree research project with trees that were bred to be tolerant to citrus greening, said Flavia Zambon, assistant professor of citrus production at UF/IFAS IRREC.

    Citrus greening remains one of the most destructive challenges facing Florida’s citrus industry. Spread by a tiny bug called a psyllid, the bacterium that causes the disease attacks trees from the inside out, reducing fruit quality, yield and ultimately killing entire groves. Infected trees produce smaller, misshapen and bitter, green fruit – if they produce any at all. The disease spreads quickly through the flying insects, making containment difficult once a grove is infected.

    “Citrus greening is a fundamental threat to the Florida citrus industry, and we’re eager to see the results of this long-awaited research trial to see what options we can suggest for farmers for greening-tolerant citrus varieties,” Zambon said.

    The Millennium Block includes various citrus varieties in four research trials, one including 18 grapefruits and three commercial rootstocks, and the other three with 32 rootstocks grafted with Ray Ruby grapefruit, Glenn Navel sweet orange and UF-950 mandarin.

    Harvest will continue through early February, and citrus will be pulled and juiced to be tested for physical marketable qualities, such as size, and juice quality attributes, such as sugar concentration and acidity, which affect the price that growers can expect to receive for their fruit.

    “There are all these attributes that need to be in balance for both growers and consumers,” Zambon said.

    In addition, they will evaluate the amount of market-quality citrus grown, both by the amount of fruit and by the total weight.

    Researchers also used drones to evaluate the health of the Millennium Block’s trees and to see if there is a correlation between canopy size and the amount of fruit it produced – another potential predictive tool for farmers.

    Maintenance for the Millennium Block is funded in part by the John T. Moose IRREC Enhancement Endowment.

    Harvest of the citrus fields at the Millennium Block at UF/IFAS has begun, and the fruit and juice from the harvest will be evaluated for their marketable qualities. Photo Credit: UF/IFAS, Joe McQueen.

    ABOUT UF/IFAS
    The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.

    Harvest of the citrus fields at the Millennium Block at UF/IFAS has begun, and the fruit and juice from the harvest will be evaluated for their marketable qualities. Photo Credit: UF/IFAS, Joe McQueen.

  • Doubled Peaches Cause Double Trouble for Growers and Processors

    Two for one deals aren’t always a bargain growers are looking for. Doubles can occur in stone fruits like peaches when environmental factors like water stress impact the developing ovary and cause it to create a twin. This can result in off sizes and challenges for processors. UCCE Farm Advisor Cameron Zuber spoke about the issue at the Malcolm Media Tree & Vine Expo, and with Matthew Malcolm of California Ag Network. Watch this quick video and learn more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot for their industry support.

  • U.S. Truffle Growers to Gather in Sonoma County

    The North American Truffle Growers’ Association (NATGA) 2026 Congress will feature two full days of useful, relevant research and the latest information on truffle cultivation. You’ll be able to network with industry experts, successful truffle producers and leading truffle researchers. In addition to the scientific content, we are adding unique Sonoma County Events centered around truffles, such as wine and truffle bite pairing and a moderated panel discussion with well-known Michelin Star Chefs.

    For the first time ever, we are also offering three additional Bonus Truffle Experiences, with a variety of optional programs including: Cooking With Truffles, Truffle Dog Training and the Truffle Microscopy Workshop.

    These Bonus Truffle Experiences will take place before and/or after the Congress for an additional fee.

    Congress kicks off on Sunday evening at the Flamingo Resort, June 14 with our annual Welcome Reception where you can connect with old friends, meet new NATGA supporters and network with the experts. Day One will start at the Flamingo Resort and will feature presentations from our Keynote Speaker, Professor Alessandra Zambonelli, as well as additional industry professionals on topics related to truffle cultivation, production, and marketing of truffles. The afternoon will be spent touring a Sonoma County truffle orchard and vineyards, watching a truffle dog demonstration, and experiencing fabulous Sonoma County wines, paired with gourmet truffle bites prepared by Eric Anderson, a Michelin Star Chef.

    Day Two will include our annual NATGA members Business Meeting, an additional presentation by Prof Zambonelli as well as more truffle and Ag industry professionals in the morning. For the first time ever, the afternoon will also be available to the public via a Day Pass. The afternoon session, From Soil Prep to Harvest: Latest Research and Development for Truffle Cultivation will also be especially informative for those considering starting a truffle orchard. We’ll also feature a moderated Chef Panel Discussion with Michelin Star Chefs, a Truffle Marketplace, and Silent Auction. Congress concludes with our Closing Reception and Wine and Truffle Bite pairing.

    Agenda Highlights

    Keynote Speaker: Alessandra Zambonelli, PhD, Univ of Bologna, Italy

    • State of the Truffle Industry and Perspectives from Italy
    • Latest Developments and Techniques in Improving Soil Microbiomes

    Breeding and Training Exceptional Truffle-Hunting Dogs, Raúl Deoiz, Spain Founder and Manager of Trufdog.

    Truffle Species and Tree Species; New Combinations and Opportunities, Brian Upchurch, Carolina Truffiéres, NC

    Chef Panel Discussion with Michelin Star Chefs

    Optional Programs

    NATGA are preparing a series of extra curricular opportunities which may require additional fees

    Sunday 6/14.

    • Truffle Orchard Tours
    • Microscopy Course – Ann Scanlan
    • Cooking Class – Carey Angerer
    • Dog Training Class – Fran Angerer

    Wednesday 6/17

    • Truffle Orchard Tours
    • Microscopy Course
    • Cooking Class
    • Dog Training Class
    • Mushroom producer tour

    For more information, visit the NATGA website at https://trufflegrowers.com/event/natga-congress-spring-2026/. — North American Truffle Growers’ Association

  • APHIS Expands Mediterranean Fruit Fly Quarantine in California

    The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) expanded the Santa Clara Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata; Medfly) quarantine in Alameda and Santa Clara Counties, California. This action parallels the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) expansion of the Santa Clara Medfly quarantine published on January 2.

    APHIS and CDFA expanded the Santa Clara Medfly quarantine following the confirmed detection on December 17 of one wild male Medfly from a trap in on a residential property in an orange tree in Milpitas, Santa Clara County. This action expanded the quarantine by 17 square miles and does not include additional commercial agriculture. The amended quarantine encompasses 241 square miles with 58.76 acres of commercial agriculture, including grape, olive, orange, pepper, stone fruit, and tomato.

    APHIS is applying safeguarding measures and restrictions on the interstate movement of regulated articles to prevent the spread of Medfly to non-infested areas of the United States, as well as to prevent the entry of these fruit flies into foreign trade. APHIS is working with CDFA and the Agricultural Commissioners of Alameda and Santa Clara Counties to eradicate this transient fruit fly population following program guidelines for survey, treatment, and regulatory actions

    The APHIS Exotic Fruit Flies website contains descriptions and maps of all current Federal fruit fly quarantine areas. APHIS will publish a notice of this change in the Federal Register. —USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

  • U.S. Avocado Market Poised to Surpass 3 Billion Pounds for the First Time

    Hass Avocado Board — According to the latest volume count, accumulated through the course of 2025, and collective projections for the balance of the year, the Hass Avocado Board has concluded with a high degree of confidence, that the total avocado volume in the U.S. market is on track to exceed 3 billion pounds in 2025 — a historic milestone that underscores the fruit’s growing popularity and the strength of the avocado industry’s supply chain. This has been a number that has been on the industry’s radar since 2020, and after five years of weather-related impacts on crops from almost every country of origin, it appears that 2025 will be the year when we cross the 3 billion pound threshold.

    “This is a landmark moment for the avocado industry,” said Emiliano Escobedo, Executive Director of the Hass Avocado Board. “Surpassing 3 billion pounds is not just a number — it’s a testament to the tireless efforts of producers, importers, and marketers who have worked together to meet the growing demand for avocados in the U.S. market.”

    The projected volume represents a four percent increase from the previous year and reflects sustained consumer interest in avocados as a versatile, nutrient-dense food. It also highlights the success of industry-wide initiatives to promote year-round availability, enhance quality, and educate consumers on the benefits of avocados.

    There has been tremendous amounts of hard work and collaboration across the industry to transform avocados from being a misunderstood specialty fruit to today’s produce aisle powerhouse. Avocado Nation: An American Success Story, now streaming at HassAvocadoBoard.com/HAPRIOImpact, looks at how the business opportunity for avocado producers and importers has transformed since the Hass Avocado Promotion, Research and Information Order (HAPRIO) created the Hass Avocado Board (HAB) in 2002.

    “Avocados have become a staple in American households, and this milestone reflects how deeply they’re woven into our food culture,” Escobedo added. “As we look ahead, HAB remains committed to supporting the industry through data-driven insights, strategic marketing, and collaborative innovation.”

    “Avocados have become a staple in American households, and this milestone reflects how deeply they’re woven into our food culture,” Escobedo added. “As we look ahead, HAB remains committed to supporting the industry through data-driven insights, strategic marketing, and collaborative innovation.”

    Congratulations to everyone in the Hass avocado industry for this monumental achievement. It is the result of the hard work and dedication of every grower, every association, every packer, shipper, exporter and importer, and marketers, to have collectively reached this mark. A big thank you to our customers and consumers who have made our avocados one of America’s favorite fruits – and we will continue our work on behalf of all our stakeholders, on our way to number one!

  • UC Davis Professor Honored for Citrus Pest Research

    UC Davis Distinguished Professor Walter Leal recently received an award from the citrus research organization, FUNDECITRUS,  São Paulo, Brazil, in recognition of his “outstanding contribution to citriculture, emphasizing his work on the Asian citrus psyllid and a Lepidopteran pest named “bicho furão” (citrus fruit borer).

    Leal, a member of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology faculty and a former professor and chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology, is the first U.S.-based researcher to receive the FUNDECITRUS. award.

    A native of Brazil and a Fellow of both the Entomological Society of America and the Entomological Society of Brazil, Leal is the principal investigator of a research agreement between UC Davis and the Fundecitrus-Fund for Protection of Citriculture, based in São Paulo.

    Leal’s discovery of the sex pheromone of the Asian citrus psyllid–which spreads the deadly citrus greening disease, Huanglongbing (HLB)–may result in the insect version of “The Fatal Attraction.” The team is now working on a formulation to be used in traps.

    The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citris, is a sap-sucking bug that is one of two confirmed vectors of HLB. A native of Asia, it is found in parts of the Middle East, South and Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It was first detected in the United States in 1998 (Palm Beach County, Florida) and is now also found in Louisiana, Georgia, Arizona, South Carolina, Texas, and since 2003, in California  (San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast counties, including San Luis Obispo.)

    Former UC Cooperative Extension advisor Surendra Dara of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties (now at the University o Hawaii, Mānoa) earlier said that “The Asian citrus psyllid is a major threat to the multibillion dollar citrus industry in the United States. When an insect pest vectors a deadly disease, the threat is more serious and ACP being an invasive pest made its management even more challenging.  Discovery of a sex pheromone by Dr. Leal’s team is a major breakthrough not just for managing a dangerous invasive pest, but also a significant contribution to environmental sustainability.  I envision this pheromone becoming a clean, green, mean weapon in the IPM arsenal against ACP.”.

    Integrated pest management specialist and UC Davis Distinguished Professor Emeritus (on recall) Frank Zalom, of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology and a past president of the Entomological Society of America, earlier hailed the discovery as a “significant breakthrough in preventing the spread of this serious citrus insect, and may offer a less toxic method for its control.” He was not involved in the study.

    Pheromones and other semiochemicals are widely used in agriculture and medical entomology. “Growers use them as lures in trapping systems for monitoring and surveillance, as well as for strategies for controlling populations, such as mating disruption and attraction-and-kill systems,” Leal noted.

    ACP feeds on new leaf growth of oranges, lemons, mandarins, grapefruit and other citrus, as well as some related plants. Infected psyllids can transmit the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, which causes the fatal citrus disease. An early symptom of HLB in citrus is the yellowing of leaves on an individual limb or in a sector of a tree’s canopy.

    Citrus trees infected with HLB usually die within five years, according to the UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program. There is no known cure. “The only way to protect trees is to prevent spread of the HLB pathogen in the first place, by controlling psyllid populations and removing and destroying any infected trees,” UC IPM says on its website.

  • Tomato Processors Expect to Contract 9.8 Million Tons in 2026

    As of January, California’s tomato processors reported they have, or will have, contracts for 9.8 million tons in 2026, which is a decrease of 11% compared to 11.0 million contracted tons forecast in the August 2025 California Processing Tomato Report. Processors estimate that the contracted production for 2026 will come from 185,000 acres, generating an average yield of 53 tons per acre. This year’s contracted planted acreage forecast is 10% below the 2025 estimate of 205,000 planted acres under contract in the August forecast.

    The USDA-NASS Pacific Regional Office surveyed California’s tomato processors for their intended contract acreage and tonnage for the upcoming 2026 season. The data reported by processors was either tonnage with derived acreage, or acreage with derived tonnage.

    This early processing tomato estimate is funded by the California League of Food Producers.

  • California Pear Farmers Seek Relief From Surging Argentine Imports That Undercut U.S. Market

    California pear farmers are fighting for survival as a surge of low-priced pear imports from Argentina continues to flood the U.S. market each year just as the domestic harvest begins. Industry leaders are now in discussions with staff at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to find meaningful relief from a situation they say has become a major driver of the decline of California’s historic pear industry, which dates back to the Gold Rush.

    “Since 2016, Argentine exports of fresh pears to the U.S. have increased by 125 percent in direct competition with California Bartlett and Bosc pears, particularly in the early season,” said Chris Zanobini, Executive Director of the California Pear Advisory Board. “Argentina has been flooding the U.S. market just before the start of California’s harvest in early July.”

    Although Argentina supplies more than 90 percent of pears imported into the U.S. during winter months, Zanobini notes that roughly 70 percent of Argentine pear imports now arrive in April and May—after long storage periods and right as California growers prepare to ship their first fresh fruit.

    “This flood of cheap imports has a devastating impact on California growers,” he said. “Retailers feature these low-priced imports instead of newly harvested U.S. pears. Additionally, retail data indicates these imported pears are not being sold to shoppers at a discount. It’s bad for farmers and it’s bad for consumers.”

    James Christie, president of Bryant Christie Inc. (BCI), which represents several U.S. agricultural groups including the California pear industry, says the need for action is urgent.

    “The stakes are high and this will be a challenge, but we are doing everything we can to fight for California farmers,” Christie said. “The USTR has indicated they are looking for ways to help U.S. farmers manage import pressures. That is exactly what we are asking for.”

    Christie emphasized that tariffs alone are unlikely to solve the problem.
    “We are requesting relief in the form of a quota on Argentine pears or a defined period during which these imports cannot enter the U.S.,” he said.

    According to Zanobini, Argentine pears are counter-seasonal to U.S. production, meaning the fruit arriving in spring has often been stored for half a year. Many Argentine shippers also use 1-MCP, an anti-ripening agent that extends storage life but can prevent pears from ripening properly, resulting in a poor eating experience for consumers.

    “California pear shippers have pledged never to use this chemical,” Zanobini noted. “But when our fresh, newly harvested pears arrive, they are forced to compete with old, stored fruit that often won’t ripen.”

    The impact is tangible. Zanobini described a major lost opportunity this past July:

    “A national grocery chain had planned a large promotion featuring our early California fruit, including a price premium,” he said. “But the retailer canceled, citing a market flooded with Argentine pears. Our shippers lost both the sales and the premium.”

    Small Family Farms at Risk

    “This is just one example of how Argentine imports are harming U.S. farmers,” Christie said. “California pear growers are struggling. Acreage is shrinking. The number of pear growers continues to decline.”

    Zanobini added that the industry is composed of small, multi-generational family farms known for producing nutritious fruit using some of the most environmentally responsible practices in the world.

    “These are exactly the types of farmers U.S. trade policy should protect,” he said.

    He also pointed out that pears are not alone. “California pear growers are just one of many U.S. farmers suffering from recent trade negotiations—from soybean farmers to cattle ranchers to citrus growers,” Zanobini said. “While the Trump Administration provides the Argentinian government with a $40 billion bailout, we believe there is room to negotiate a fair deal that prevents Argentine imports from undercutting U.S. farmers in their own market.”

    Christie underscored the urgency of the issue. “California’s pear industry may be small within U.S. agriculture, but that does not make it unimportant,” he said. “If anything, the fact that these are small family farmers should make defending them a priority.”

  • Late Fruit & Tree Nut Nursery Icon Commemorated

    On November 6, 2025, Dave Wilson Nursery (DWN) hosted about 200 people – from family to friends, co-workers, and people throughout the nursery and farming industry – to celebrate the life of family member and long-time DWN owner, Robert Woolley.  Woolley passed away in May after a long illness.

    Woolley was born in Stockton, CA in 1949.  After graduating from high school in Modesto in 1967, Woolley attended San Francisco State University, where he studied traditional and artistic woodworking.  He later became an expert cabinet maker and award-winning furniture designer.

    Woolley later applied the same diligence and creation of exceptional quality to developing and commercializing nut, fruit and ornamental tree cultivars.  After moving to the Central Valley with his wife, Jane Wynne Woolley, and their daughter Erica in 1980, he joined his father-in-law, John Wynne, in managing DWN in Hickman.  The Nursery had been founded in 1938 by Dave Wilson, Jane’s grandfather.  In 1989, Robert and Jane acquired the company, preserving its identity as a family‑owned enterprise while professionalizing and expanding its operations.  Under their 30+ year leadership, the nursery added the 640‑acre Red Rock Ranch in 1996, incorporated in 1999, and grew to farm more than 1,000 acres and produce over four million trees annually for both commercial orchards and the home‑garden trade.  Robert’s leadership positioned DWN as the nation’s largest producer of fruit, nut, and shade trees.

    Robert’s ownership coincided with some of the most important varietal and rootstock innovations in modern orchard crops.  Continuing John Wynne’s close relationship with Zaiger Genetics, Robert positioned DWN as the private propagator and exclusive U.S. licensor for many of their introductions, including key rootstock advances and the Independence® self‑fertile almond.  He called Independence® “huge” for growers, as it reduced reliance on pollinizer rows and beehives.

    Robert Woolley, prior owner of Dave Wilson Nursery, advanced the tree nursery industry. Most notably, during his tenure he released Independence almond, the first self-fruitful almond cultivar, developed by Zaiger Genetics.

    For decades, Woolley and other team members gathered at Zaiger Genetics every Wednesday during fruit season to taste-test and discuss prospective new varieties.  In cherries, Woolley promoted the use of inter-stem rootstocks to widen the range of “cherry ground,” enabling production on soils previously considered unsuitable.  He often shared this practical knowledge with growers in California and beyond.  Beyond commercial varieties, he supported the preservation and propagation of non‑commercial heirloom apple cultivars.

    Off the farm, Woolley played a central role in advancing clean‑plant and nursery certification programs.  A respected industry statesman, he chaired the California Fruit Tree, Nut Tree and Grapevine Improvement Advisory Board, which advises the California Department of Food & Agriculture on registration and certification of nursery stock and funds research to improve plant health. At UC Davis, he served as one of the co‑chairs of the UCD – Industry Task Force that reshaped the Foundation Plant Materials Service (now Foundation Plant Services).  Nationally, he testified before both the US House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture and the US Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, speaking on behalf of the nursery and greenhouse sector about labor, specialty crop competitiveness, and the critical need for a robust National Clean Plant Network. He also worked closely with regulators and researchers on issues such as nematode certification and fumigation alternatives, emphasizing “zero tolerance” standards for nursery stock destined for commercial orchards.

    Colleagues remember Woolley as combining a designer’s eye with a plantsman’s pragmatism—someone equally at home discussing joinery, color and form as he was talking about rootstocks, fumigants, or clean‑plant protocols.  His work took him across California, the Pacific Northwest, Canada, and internationally to Mexico, Spain, Australia, and elsewhere, sharing expertise on tree selection, propagation, and orchard establishment.  His collaborative spirit was evidenced at his Celebration of Life event, where almost every major California tree nursery was represented.

    Through his intelligence and passion, creativity and competence, Woolley advanced the fruit and nut tree industry in California and beyond, enriching the lives of those around him along the way.

    Woolley has reunited with his wife, Jane, who passed away in 2007. Woolley is survived by his daughter Erica, the current owner of DWN.

  • Practical Training on Nitrogen Management in Organic Production of Annual Crops

    Join UCANR at Woodland Community College (or online via zoom) for the 2025 Organic Nitrogen Workshop — a hands-on training designed to help growers, PCAs, CCAs, and ag professionals improve nitrogen management in organic annual crop production. Attendees will have the opportunity to Earn 4 CCA & 4 INMTP CE credits and learn about: nitrogen dynamics & soil organic matter, predicting nitrogen availability, completing nitrogen budgets, and synchronizing N release with crop demand.

    📅 Tuesday, December 9, 2025
    ⏰ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    📍 Woodland Community College (2300 E Gibson Rd, Woodland)
    💻 In-person or via Zoom
    🥗 Lunch included for in-person participants
    💲 Cost: $20 (Free for farmers)

    🔗 Register here: https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=47211
    Limited space — reserve your spot today!