California Fruit and Vegetable

Category: Industry News

  • 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!

  • Lindcove Research & Extension Center Citrus Fruit Display & Tasting

    Citrus growers and those interested in planting new citrus varieties are invited to attend this one-of-a-kind Citrus Fruit Display & Tasting at the Lindcove Research & Extension Center on Friday, December 5th (8:30 a.m. – 2p.m.). Attendees are welcome to taste a wide variety of fruits at their leisure in an outdoor setting. Tours of the Lindcove Research & Extension Center facilities and fields will be offered. Engage in discussions on low seeded new varieties and pest/disease management issues and horticultural issues with the UC researchers.  This year, UCANR VINE Connect will also feature live demonstrations from agricultural technology companies from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Please RSVP for VINE Connect tour here.

  • 36th Annual Fall Desert Crops Workshop, Dec. 3

    Join UCANR on December 3rd for the 36th Annual Fall Desert Crops Workshop. Get up to date on the key issues affecting desert crops in our Valley through expert-led discussions. This FREE workshop offers a valuable opportunity to stay informed, connect with others and better understand the challenges facing our agricultural community.

    Topics to be discussed:

    • Irrigation
    • Soil Salinity Mapping
    • Pest & Disease Management
    • Pesticide Use Regulations
    • Other Agricultural Issues

    To pre-register use this link or join us onsite starting at 7:30am.

    Continuing Education Units will be offered with the following agencies: (Pending Approval)

    • California Department of Pesticide and Regulation
    • Arizona Department of Agriculture
    • Certified Crop Advisor (CCA)

    If you have any questions or need additional information on workshop, contact the office at (442) 265-7700.

    Document

    See the full agenda at: 36th Annual Fall Desert Crops Workshop_Agenda

  • Didn’t Get Much of a Cherry Crop This Year? This Might be Why…

    Some Central Valley cherry growers grappled with little to no yields this year. Cherries are notoriously a high risk crop, but can be highly profitable when they yield well. Unfortunately, that was not the case for some Central Valley growers this year. But how could this have happened? UC Cooperative Extension Fruit & Almond Advisor Raymond Mireles met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to explain. Watch this brief interview and read more about it in the coming issue of California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

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

  • Five Ways to Avoid Expensive Irrigation Repairs & DU Losses

    Irrigation systems today are amazing at getting just the right amount of water where it needs to be to meet a crop’s needs; however, if these systems are not well-maintained, things can go south pretty fast, resulting in distribution uniformity-related losses and expensive repairs. During his presentation at Malcolm Media’s recent Tree & Vine Expo, UC Cooperative Extension Irrigation & Soils Advisor Moneim Mohamed noted that regular and proper irrigation system maintenance can prevent expensive repairs.  Watch his video interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network for five key tasks for preventative maintenance.

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

  • Stink Bugs Foul Up Central Valley Stone Fruit

    While growers hoped the invasive brown marmorated stink bug would stay out of California orchards, they seem to have taken a liking to stone fruit, along with other stink bug species, and caused problems for some growers this year. UC Cooperative Extension Fruit & Almond Advisor Raymond Mireles shared this at Malcolm Media’s recent Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo in Fresno. Following his presentation, Raymond met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to explain. Watch this brief interview and read more about it in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

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