California Fruit and Vegetable

Category: Featured Post

  • Plant-Parasitic Nematode Control Begins with Accurate Species Identification

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    Soil sampling is the first step toward effective control of plant-parasitic nematodes. These underground, microscopic worms, especially root-knot species, develop and feed on the root systems of young fruiting vegetables. Their feeding leaves visible galls on roots, which disrupt the plant’s ability to efficiently take up water and essential nutrients needed for healthy plant development.

    A single acre of ground can harbor several hundred million nematodes. Because nematodes reproduce quickly, making control applications early in the cropping cycle is critical to protecting developing roots.

    Fruiting vegetable growers can now put a nematicide with a new mode of action in their nematode control toolbox, offering a more favorable environmental profile than other products on the market today – Salibro® CA nematicide with Reklemel® active. Salibro CA is a true nematicide that selectively controls plant-parasitic nematodes and does not negatively impact free-living, or beneficial, nematodes, which play an important role in maintaining soil health.

    Salibro CA nematicide is in a unique chemical group, making it a strong tool for resistance management and helping prolong the efficacy of all nematicides. It offers excellent compatibility with soil health, including with beneficial nematodes, soil fungi and soil bacteria. Let Salibro CA nematicide protect the roots of tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables for increased yield potential and more marketable crops at harvest.

    ™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. Salibro® CA is only registered for sale or use in California.  Reklemel® is a registered active ingredient. Always read and follow label directions. ©2026 Corteva.  037771  BR (04/26)  00958

  • APHIS Posts Updated Quarantine Map

    APHIS updated the Federal Domestic Soil Quarantines Map to include the following changes:

    • Added the Mexican Fruit Fly Quarantine in San Diego County, CA
    • Added the Sapote Fruit Fly Quarantine in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy Counties, TX

    APHIS restricts the movement of domestic soil from areas within the continental United States that are under quarantine for specific plant pests. The Federal Domestic Soil Quarantines Map provides an overview of the plant pest quarantines that affect the movement of soil.

    This map is a general guidance tool only. For specific quarantine information, including quarantine boundaries and the requirements for moving domestic soil, contact your local APHIS State plant health director.

  • Getting the Right Chill and Soil Acidity for California Blueberries

    Blueberries are surging in global demand and Central Valley growers are getting in on the action. However, the unique conditions that make the region ideal for growing many crops can pose challenges for blueberry production.

    Blueberries have a winter chill requirement.  The primary type of blueberry grown in California is southern highbush, which is better adapted to the state’s warmer conditions. But even some southern highbush cultivars used in California require 400 – 550 hours below 45ºF for optimal budbreak and fruit production.

    The months-long tule fog in the Central Valley this past winter helped ensure that the full number of chill hours was reached. “The fog acted . . . like an umbrella over the plant,” says Raymond Mireles, Fruit and Almond Advisor for UCCE Fresno and Tulare Counties.

    However, fog alone does not guarantee that blueberry bushes will get enough chill — especially as winters continue to get warmer. Moreover, even if the weather is cold, a sunny day can still interfere with chill accumulation.

    As Mireles explains, even if the air is cold around a bush on a sunny day, the plants — “just sitting out there in the sun — will start to accumulate heat portions and ultimately counteract . . . the accumulation of chill hours.”

    Mireles recommends a few methods to ensure that blueberries get the full chill requirement:

    Cover Crops

    Laying down a cover crop can stabilize soil temperatures. It’s best to plant these when the bushes are dormant. Good cover crops to use with blueberries include:

    ·      Legumes

    ·      Grasses

    ·      Barley

    ·      Oats

    ·      Mixed blends

    It is important to remove these crops before they start seeding. If not, the seeds will sprout and compete with the blueberries for nutrients.

    Years with Lower Chill

    In the event of a winter with less chill accumulation, there are ways growers can compensate and help with budbreak:

    ·      Use hydrogen cyanamide (such as Dormex) on blueberries when less-than-optimal chill is accumulated. This is best applied 30 – 40 days before bloom.

    ·      Mulch with white plastic, woodchips or sawdust to keep temperatures down and help the bushes retain moisture.

    ·      Apply shade cloth to keep the bushes cool.

    ·      Irrigate consistently.

    Kaolin clay can reflect sunlight and reduce surface temperature, but the effect it has on chill accumulation on blueberry is minimal, since chill is driven primarily by ambient air temperatures and will not be significantly affected by clay particles on the bare branches.

    Soil Acidity

    While the alkaline-rich soils of the Central Valley are excellent for growing, blueberries are another story. They require a more acidic soil (a pH of around 4-5.5 is ideal), so steps must be taken to lower the pH levels for blueberry orchards.

    Application of sulfuric acid via irrigation is effective for rapidly reducing pH levels in soil. It is best to begin this process in mid to late March.

    In Summary:

    ·      Plant blueberry varieties with an appropriate number of chill hours for your area.

    ·      Deepen the chill by laying down cover crops, but be sure to remove them before they go to seed.

    ·      In the event of warmer weather preventing chill, use hydrogen cyanamide as a growth regulator.

    ·      Apply mulch, shade cloth and regular irrigation to the crop.

    ·      Apply sulfuric acid to rapidly lower pH to the desired level.

    While blueberry cultivation in California poses unique challenges, it is proving to be an increasingly profitable crop, making it worth the time and effort.

    — By Donald Promnitz, Editor

  • Citrus Season Update

    Citrus growers in California are seeing an early bloom with unprecedented warm weather, and are experiencing challenges with tariffs and trade issues. However, the mood remains optimistic. Julia Inestroza, Board Chair for the California Mutual, spoke with Matthew Malcolm of California Ag Network to discuss the growing season at the California Citrus Showcase in Visalia. Watch this quick video and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

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

  • USDA Launches TRUMP Mission to Vietnam to Expand Market Access for American Farmer

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a Trade Reciprocity for U.S. Manufacturers and Producers (TRUMP) Mission to Vietnam this week to open new markets, strengthen export opportunities, and secure fair, reciprocal trade for American farmers, ranchers and producers.

    Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg is leading a delegation representing a cross-section of American agriculture that stands to benefit from expanded access to one of Asia’s fastest-growing markets.

    “American farmers, ranchers and producers thrive when they have strong, reliable markets for their high-quality products,” said Under Secretary Lindberg. “By strengthening our trade relationship with Vietnam, we’re opening doors for U.S. agriculture, ensuring they have a fair chance to compete and succeed, and that they can bring the benefits of that success to communities here at home.”

    Vietnam has become a top destination for U.S. agricultural products. In 2025 alone, agriculture, fishery and forest products exports surged by 45% to a record $5.6 billion, making Vietnam the United States’ eighth-largest market. This mission will build on that momentum by expanding market access, connecting suppliers with new buyers, and advancing negotiations under President Trump’s strategy to deliver fair, enforceable trade for American farmers and ranchers.

    During the visit, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service will lead industry tours, host business meetings, and engage with Vietnamese officials to advance U.S. trade priorities and support U.S. producers. The delegation includes:

    1. California Fresh Fruit Association – Fresno, Calif.
    2. California Prune Board – Roseville, Calif.
    3. Potatoes USA – Denver, Colo.
    4. USA Poultry & Egg Export Council – Tucker, Ga.
    5. U.S. Dairy Export Council – Arlington, Va.
    6. U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council – Washington, D.C.
    7. U.S. Meat Export Federation – Denver, Colo.
    8. U.S. Soybean Export Council – Chesterfield, Mo.
    9. U.S. Wheat Associates – Arlington, Va.
    10. Washington Apple Commission – Wenatchee, Wash.

    This is USDA’s third TRUMP mission of 2026. Later this year, USDA will return to Vietnam with a broader agribusiness trade mission to continue expanding opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural exports.

    For more information on USDA trade missions, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions. — By the USDA Foreign Ag Service

  • UC Seeks Consumers to Weigh in on New Method of Controlling Asian Citrus Psyllids

    To understand consumers’ attitudes toward a bioengineered pesticide for citrus crops, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources researchers are asking for volunteers to participate in focus groups in Riverside, Oakland and Fresno.

    Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt, is a naturally occurring bacterium being tested to control the spread of Asian citrus psyllid, the small insect that transmits the disease huanglongbing to citrus trees. Both the Asian citrus psyllid and huanglongbing have been found in Southern California backyard citrus trees and threaten to spread throughout the state.

    Huanglongbing, also known as citrus greening disease, is a bacterial infection that stunts citrus trees, reduces their fruit production, deforms and greens the fruit and eventually kills the tree. There is no known cure or effective control.

    The disease has already devastated Florida’s citrus industry, slashing the state’s orange production by 92% between 2005 and 2025, according to Karen Jetter, associate director and project economist at the UC ANR Policy Institute. By the time the magnitude of the problem was revealed, both Asian citrus psyllid, or ACP, and huanglongbing were widespread in Florida.

    “In California, we still have the opportunity to slow the spread of huanglongbing through ACP management,” Jetter said.  “This unique technology is designed to be part of a comprehensive ACP management program, not to replace it.”

    Jetter and Fiona Ogunkoya, survey researcher at the UC ANR Policy Institute, are conducting focus groups to assess consumer attitudes toward an engineered Bt pest control method that targets Asian citrus psyllids, the primary vector of the disease, to stop the spread of huanglongbing.

    The bioengineered pest control strategy, developed in Florida and shown to be effective, uses an engineered citrus tristeza virus to transmit an engineered Bacillus thuringiensis to citrus trees. The Asian citrus psyllid lays eggs on the tender new leaf growth of the trees. After the nymphs hatch, the immature insects consume the modified Bt-infected leaves, become sick and die.

    California citrus growers surveyed by Sandipa Gautam, UC Cooperative Extension integrated pest management citrus advisor, said they are interested in the approach. But they growers are concerned that consumers will not accept fruit grown with this new bioengineered insecticide.

    To find out what consumers think, the researchers will meet with three focus groups, with each session limited to six to eight people to allow all participants time to express their thoughts.

    The 90-minute focus group meetings will be held at UC Cooperative Extension offices in Riverside on March 30 at 6 p.m., in Oakland on April 6 at 2 p.m. and in Fresno on April 8 at 2 p.m. Pizza will be served.

    To participate in a focus group, register for a session at https://forms.gle/QPyUd7QazTLfNdATA. To be eligible, participants must be 18 years of age or older and able to attend the focus group in person. — By UC Agriculture and Natural Resources

  • Mexico Leads Avocado Production

    Mexico continues to lead the world in avocado production. For 2026, Post forecasts Mexican avocado production to increase by 3% to 2.8 million metric tons (MMT). This is mainly a result of favorable growing conditions and sustained export demand. Mexican avocado exports are forecast to increase 7% to 1.3 MMT, with the United States remaining Mexico’s top destination for avocado exports.

    Production

    Post forecasts Mexican avocado production in calendar year (CY) 2026 at 2.80 MMT, a 3% increase from 2025. This growth is mainly a result of improved agricultural practices, favorable early-season rains and cooler conditions, and sustained export demand. Planted area is forecast to remain flat at approximately 268,000 hectares. Mexico’s avocado sector remains the global leader in production, with an estimated 28% of global production.

    While roughly 65% of orchards still rely on seasonal rainfall, producers are rapidly accelerating the adoption of pressurized irrigation. This increase in installations of high-efficiency irrigation systems is allowing producers, mainly in Michoacan and Jalisco, to strengthen water management and tree nutrition.

    Favorable climate conditions in 2025 are also helping to drive an increase in production in 2026. The 2025 rainy season was characterized by a late-quarter extension, where significant rainfall through November 2025 and into early December 2025 recharged critical volcanic aquifers. This late-season moisture, combined with mild temperatures (68°F – 73°F) in December, provided the ideal conditions for blooming. This resulted in exceptional fruit retention and allowed the crop to trend toward larger, higher-value sizes. A potential “El Niño” (expected for the second part of CY 2026) could bring drier than average conditions and heat spikes that could decrease fruit sizes.

    The Hass variety continues to dominate all commercial production due to its post-harvest durability and high consumer preference. After a 2024 cycle marked by smaller fruit sizes due to heat stress, the 2025 crop shows a marked recovery in quality and caliber. Producers are reporting a return to more retail-friendly weights, with a high availability of 40s and 48s (ranging from 9 to 12 ounces).

    Mexico produces avocados in 30 out of the 32 states in the country. However, Michoacan and Jalisco are the highest producing states, with 85%  of production in volume, and are the only states authorized to export to the United States. Remaining production in the other states is focused on the national market and niche international destinations. Michoacan remains the heart of production, situated within the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, where rich, well-draining volcanic soil covers approximately 80 percent of the total planted area.

    Post estimates Mexican avocado production for CY 2025 at 2.73 MMT, a 2% increase from 2024. High summer temperatures and drought conditions in 2024 hit the avocado production area in Michoacan and Jalisco. CY 2025 started slow, but volumes recovered given an improvement in climate conditions and a strong rainy season in Mexico.

    Read the full USDA FAS report here — USDA Foreign Ag Service Staff

  • California State Fair Announces Best in the State for 2026 Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition

    The California State Fair is excited to announce the top winners of the 2026 Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition, recognizing the finest Extra Virgin and Flavored Olive Oils made from 100 percent olives grown, milled, and packaged in California.

    Now in its eleventh year, the prestigious competition celebrates the excellence and diversity of California’s olive oil industry. After a rigorous blind tasting conducted by a panel of professional sensory judges led by Head Judge Julie Menge, three exceptional oils earned the competition’s highest honors, Best of Show.

    “The California State Fair Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition truly celebrates and honors our many olive oil producers across all regions of the state that continue to produce the finest of California olive oils,” said Menge.

    Best of Show Award Winners

    Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    Frantoio Grove, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    San Martin, CA

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend

    Capay Valley Olive, French Blend

    Capay, CA

    Flavored Olive Oil

    McEvoy Ranch, Organic Ginger Turmeric

    Petaluma, CA

    The 2026 Best of Show Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil is Frantoio Grove, Extra Virgin Olive Oil from San Martin, CA. This high polyphenol oil is made from estate grown Frantoio olives, picked at the first sign of ripening, and milled on site within 90 minutes of harvest for freshness, flavor, and balance. Patrick Martin, Owner, Grower and Miller of Frantoio Grove Olive Oil, and a 6th generation farmer, attributes the success of his olive orchard to regenerative farming and biologically intensive management.

    “Winning this award for our Regenerative Organic Certified olive oil validates the work we’ve done to rebuild living soil in our orchard,” said Martin. “As soil biology and tree health improve, the oils have developed more aroma, energy, and complexity.”

    The 2026 Best of Show Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend is Capay Valley Olive, French Blend, from Capay, CA. This is Capay Valley’s first year entering the California State Fair Competition, as well as their very first harvest and first milling. Sherri Wood, owner of Capay Valley Olive and Capay Valley Lavender has curated a blend that impressed judges, who said it, “Smells like summer.”

    “This award celebrates the terroir of Capay Valley and the many hands behind this oil. My thanks to CalAthena for designing the blend, Chacewater Mill for expert milling, and the UC Davis Olive Oil Center for the research and standards that support our craft,” said Wood.

    The 2026 Best of Show Flavored Olive Oil is McEvoy Ranch, Organic Ginger Turmeric Olive Oil from Petaluma, CA. This oil is produced by co-milling fresh, organic ginger root and turmeric together with McEvoy’s estate olives. Three generations of the McEvoy family have been producing high-quality olive oils since 1990.

    “Winning Best of Show at the California State Fair for our 2025 Harvest Ginger Turmeric Olive Oil is a profound validation of our team’s unwavering dedication to creating innovative, vibrant flavor profiles in olive oil,” said Samantha Dorsey, President of McEvoy Ranch. “We invite everyone to experience this unique blend, as an ingredient in everyday cooking or as a healthy tonic, which we have crafted with the same passion and meticulous care that has defined McEvoy Ranch for over three decades.”

    This year’s competition featured 216 entries from producers across California’s major olive growing regions, reflecting the continued strength, innovation, and quality of the state’s olive oil industry. Entries were evaluated through a blind sensory tasting process and scored based on aroma, flavor, and finish, according to internationally recognized extra virgin olive oil standards.

    “Olive oil production continues to grow with increased consumer demand for local, sustainable, high-quality olive oils,” Menge continued.  “It is exciting for the judges to taste, evaluate and award medals to those entries that meet and exceed the rigorous standards with the finalists being the most exceptional, carefully crafted, outstanding extra virgin olive oils. We are very fortunate to live where we have access to locally produced, high-quality, California extra virgin olive oils.”

    The following are Best of California Award Winners of the other categories:

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil by a Micro-Producer (Two olive oils tied for this award)
    Balestrieri, Estate Blend

    Briones, CA

    Luretík Estate Olive Oil, “Meridione” Certified Organic

    Solvang, CA

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil by an Artisan Producer
    Capay Valley Olive, French Blend

    Capay, CA

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil by a Large Producer
    ENZO, Organic Medium

    Madera, CA

    Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Delicate Intensity
    Olive Truck, Arbequina-California

    Headquartered in San Francisco, CA

    Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Medium Intensity
    Frantoio Grove, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    San Martin, CA

    Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Robust Intensity
    Marcum Olive, Itrana

    Paso Robles, CA

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend, Delicate Intensity
    Luretík Estate Olive Oil, “Sicily” Certified Organic

    Solvang, CA

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend, Medium Intensity
    Capay Valley Olive, French Blend

    Capay, CA

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend, Robust Intensity
    Gold Ridge Organic Farms, Picholine Blend

    Sebastopol, CA

    Co-Milled Flavored Olive Oil
    McEvoy Ranch, Organic Ginger Turmeric

    Petaluma, CA

    “The California State Fair extends its congratulations to all the winners of the 2026 Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of Cal Expo and the California State Fair. “Their achievements reflect the innovation, dedication, and agricultural excellence found throughout California’s olive oil industry.”

    During the 2026 California State Fair, fair guests will be able to explore award-winning extra virgin and flavored olive oils through educational exhibits, cooking demonstrations, tastings, and opportunities to purchase products directly from California producers.

    Complete results and competition information can be found at CAStateFair.com

    About the California State Fair
    The California State Fair is an international award-winning fair, receiving top honors at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions out of more than 1,100 fairs world-wide. The California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate the best the state has to offer in agriculture, technology, and the diversity of its people, traditions, and trends that shape the Golden State’s future. The 2023 State Fair will include a comprehensive set of competitions, including California’s best commercial wines, cheeses, craft beers, cannabis, olive oils, and fine arts, among others.

  • Groundwater Markets Tested in Mojave Basin

    As growers navigate SGMA, different avenues are being explored for access to the needed water for crops, including groundwater markets. This has been experimented with in the Mojave Basin, resulting in stabilized implementation  and aggregate gains, but also a consolidation of water rights. At the World Ag Expo, UC Cooperative Extension Associate Professor Ellen Bruno discussed the findings on groundwater markets with Matthew Malcolm at California Ag Network. Watch this quick video and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

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

  • APHIS Expands the Sweet Orange Scab Quarantined Area in California

    Effective March 11, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in cooperation with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), is expanding the area quarantined for sweet orange scab (SOS) in the Van Nuys area of Los Angeles County in California. SOS is a disease caused by the fungus Elsinöe australis. APHIS is expanding the quarantined area by 80 square miles in Los Angeles County. APHIS is taking this action because of SOS detections in plant tissue samples collected from residential properties in Los Angeles County. This expansion does not impact commercial citrus.

    APHIS is applying safeguarding measures outlined in Federal Order DA-2024-34 pertaining to the interstate movement of regulated articles from the quarantined areas in California. This measure parallels the intrastate quarantine that CDFA established on March 2, 2026. This action is necessary to prevent the spread of SOS to non-infested areas of the United States.

    The APHIS Sweet Orange Scab website has information on this disease, Federal Orders, APHIS approved packinghouse procedures, and a description of current Federal SOS quarantined areas.

    For additional information you may contact:

    Abby R. Stilwell
    Agriculturalist
    (919) 323 -6296
    abby.r.stilwell@usda.gov

    Matthew A. Rhoads
    Acting Deputy Administrator
    Plant Protection and Quarantine

    — By the USDA Animal and Plant Hea