California Fruit and Vegetable

Category: Industry News

  • Electrical Weed Control (EWC) in Organic Almonds and Blueberries

    Two years ago, I shared my first blog about the Zasso electrical weed control (EWC) unit—a tractor-mounted device powered by the tractor’s PTO. (My first blog about the basic of EWC and unit specifications)

    In spring 2023, we established two organic blocks, one with almonds and one with blueberries, to further evaluate the weed control efficacy and crop safety of the Zasso unit in newly established tree and berry systems. In these trials, we tested different combinations of speed and power to control the total current/energy flowing into the ground. This approach is similar to herbicide trials where we often test at different rates to evaluate crop injury (e.g., 2X, 4X rates). Both experiments included comparisons with standard organic weed control practices such as organic herbicide (Suppress EC), mowing, and hand weeding.

    In the blueberry experiment, we also applied two mulching types (sawdust and plastic), and each plot with different mulching types was treated with all the EWC treatments to evaluate the interactions between these two practices. Since blueberries are planted on berms, we only treated the berm shoulders with EWC (Figure 2).

    Figure 1. Organic blueberry field with three different mulching types as treatments
    Figure 2. EWC treating the shoulder of the sawdust mulching blueberry plot

    2023 Findings

    During the 2023 growing season, all EWC treatments showed promising weed control results. In the almond block, the highest-energy EWC treatment kept the floor weed-free for 35-40 days. In the blueberry block, where we used one drip line (versus two in the almond block), the shoulders stayed dry for most of the summer. After our first EWC application in late May (almond) and early June (blueberry), weed pressure in all EWC-treated blueberry plots remained low throughout the season, with some plots staying weed-free even longer than the same treatment in the almond block. We measured tree height, trunk diameter, and blueberry plant canopy volume, finding no significant differences in plant growth across treatments for either crop.

    Figure 3. EWC in organic almond block

    2024 Focus

    In 2024, we continued measuring growth data and collected soil samples for soil health analysis in both blocks. One of my research goals is to address a key grower concern about this technique by assessing the impact of EWC on soil microbes. While soil physical properties should remain unchanged (due to no soil disturbance), soil microbes—which play a crucial role in nutrient cycling—could be sensitive to electric shocks and surface temperature spikes. Then, we will look at how two years of more than 10 EWC applications will impact weed species distribution.

    Figure 4. EWC untreated (top) and treated (bottom) almond plots in April 2024

    2025 Plans 

    Coming into 2025, we plan to continue the blueberry and almond work on campus and also conduct additional research in growers’ fields and test it out in additional tree crops. We will continue to collect weed control efficacy data on an array of common orchard weeds in California. Lastly, we plan to start an experiment to examine how soil moisture at the time of EWC treatment affects the weed control efficacy and whether there are any effects from different irrigation regimes.

    Figure 6. Equipment testing in non crop area before EWC treatment in organic almond and blueberry at UC Davis.

    Frequently Asked Questions about EWC Technology

    Q: Are there any safety concerns with EWC?

    A: Yes, since this is a high-voltage application targeting above-ground vegetation, the circuit can create arcing and potentially cause fires. The manufacturer requires scouting behind the tractor during applications. Multiple EWC applications and mowing operations over a season leave dead vegetation on the ground, which can easily ignite, especially at higher power settings. We have noticed a seasonal pattern, with more fires occurring in fall than summer, and we are still investigating the causes.

    Q: How does soil moisture affect EWC operation?

    A: Soil moisture is an important factor. Soil that is too wet can cause generator overload by drawing too much energy. In contrast, overly dry soil has high electrical resistance, reducing current flow through plants. Our unit includes a setting to adjust power based on soil moisture, so selecting the right setting is essential for effective application. This is an area of ongoing research in California and with our collaborators in Oregon and New York.

    Q: How do different weed species respond to EWC?

    A: The weed growth stage matters more than species. EWC is effective on most weeds at the seedling stage but start losing efficacy with mature or flowering weeds that are woody or have less tissue moisture because electrical conductance is lower. Grasses can be challenging if they are matured and developed multiple tillers, as central tillers may avoid direct contact with the EWC applicator electrodes.

    Q: How effective is EWC on perennial weeds?

    A: EWC can manage bindweed and yellow nutsedge with multiple applications throughout the season. Regrowth and reemergence can occur if the vegetation does not directly contact with the electrode due to obstacles like soil clumps or overlapping plants. We are running an experiment to quantify perennial weed regrowth and reemergence.

    Q: Is this unit available on the market?

    A: Zasso has partnered with New Holland to bring this technology to the US. Please check out their website https://yellowblueandyou.newholland.com/en-gb/pf-global-2024/xpower-xps to look at the unit for the vineyard (XPower XPS). We will have a vineyard trial in 2025 in partnership with the farm operation and equipment distributor to evaluate the cost-efficiency of EWC in a large scale site.

    Since I have been working and studying this unit for two years, I truly believe it is a valuable option for organic berry and tree fruit and nut production. It can also become an alternative to some of the post-emergent herbicides used in integrated pest management (IPM) programs in sustainable agriculture.

    Our EWC project is funded by USDA NIFA Organic Research and Education Initiative. Please check out our website: https://eorganic.info/node/35946 for interviews and research updates from our collaborators: Moretti Lab at Oregon State University and Sosnoskie Lab at Cornell University. We are testing the same unit but on different crops. We also want to thank New Holland for the tractor support. — By Tong Zhen & Brad Hansen, UC Davis

  • Large Scale Study of Branched Broomrape Control for California Processing Tomatoes

    Branched broomrape is an obligate holoparasite that can attach to a wide variety of agricultural crop hosts, including tomato. It has been reported in numerous California commercial processing tomato fields in recent years and is of growing concern to the tomato industry in the state. In late 2022, a 24c Special Local Need (SLN) label was approved for broomrape management with chemigated Matrix (rimsulfuron). Rimsulfuron is widely used a foliar treatment for broadleaf weed control, and this label addendum allows its use as a chemigated treatment targeting branched broomrape. Small plot field trials with several variations of the rimsulfuron chemigation protocol were conducted in 2023 and 2024 in an infested field near Woodland, CA, that has a well-characterized branched broomrape population. To validate those small plot results, a larger scale demonstration study was conducted in a different branched broomrape infested field located near Woodland, CA, during the 2024 growing season.

    Materials and Methods 

    This trial was conducted within a commercially planted processing tomato crop and treatments included a three-treatment protocol similar to the 24c SLN Matrix label and a four-treatment protocol; both protocols’ applications totaled the annual maximum of 4 oz/A (70 g/ha) rimsulfuron. The field was set up with raised beds with a single 7/8” (22 mm) drip line buried 12” (30 cm) deep in the center of the bed with 0.16 gal hr-1 (0.6 L hr-1) emitters spaced every 12” (30 cm). Individual plots were 1275′ (390 m) long and arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. ‘HM 8237′ tomato transplants were mechanically transplanted with 12” (30 cm) in-row and in-line spacing with two lines on each bed. Chemigation treatments were mixed in a 26 gal (100 L) tank and applications were made into individual beds with an electric pump during the last third of an irrigation set (Figure 1). Treatments were applied according to a days after transplant schedule and are listed in Table 1.

    In the 2024 demonstration study, broomrape emergence was evaluated four times throughout the growing season and tomato yield was collected using a Johnson commercial mechanical harvester (Oxbo, Woodland, CA) and weigh cart equipped with a scale (Figure 2). Tomato yield per 1275; (390 m) plot was collected at commercial maturity on October 2, 2024.

    Results and Discussion

    In the large-scale demonstration study, there was no visual tomato crop injury observed in any of the treated plots (data not shown). Both chemigated rimsulfuron treatments had reduced broomrape emergence versus the nontreated control (Table 2). The control plots had an average of 122 clusters per 1275′ plot, while rimsulfuron applied three times at 1.33 oz/A (22.3 g ai/ha) resulted in 21 clusters per plot and rimsulfuron applied four times at 1 oz/A (17.4 g ai/ha) resulted in 15 clusters per plot (Table 2). There was no statistical difference in broomrape emergence between the two chemigated rimsulfuron treatments and both reduced broomrape by greater than 83% compared to the control (Table 2). Tomato yield ranged from 20,114 lbs (9,143 kg) to 20,473 lbs (9,306 kg) per 1275′ plot and there was no significant difference between rimsulfuron-treatments and the control (Table 2). Given the significant reduction in broomrape emergence with both chemigated rimsulfuron treatments and saleable fruit yield that was comparable to the control plots, these results could encourage growers to adopt the 24c rimsulfuron protocol as a preventive treatment in fields at-risk of branched broomrape infestation. This research was supported by funding from the California Tomato Research Institute and the CDFA Specialty Crops Block Grant Program and we would like to acknowledge our generous grower cooperator for farming and harvest support. — By Matthew Fatino, Brad Hanson, Plant Sciences Department, University of California, Davis

    Figure 2. Commercial tomato harvester and weigh cart harvesting full-bed (1275 ft long) plots

  • Hope For the Citrus Industry in the Fight Against HLB

    Life might be trying to take its lemons back.

    Over the past few decades, citrus trees across the country have fallen victim to citrus greening, a disease that has wiped out large swaths of Florida’s once-thriving orange groves.

    The disease has made its way to Texas and California, the next two largest citrus-producing states, and now threatens every glass of orange juice and slice of grapefruit along with the industries and growers they support.

    From 2008 to 2012, the disease spread to Georgia, South Carolina, Louisiana, Texas and California. While initially only detected in residential areas in California, each passing year means an increased risk to large-scale commercial groves in the vicinity. In Texas, it has spread to both residential and commercial groves over the years.

    To protect the economic and cultural impact of citrus, Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists led by Kranthi Mandadi, Ph.D., are seeking novel solutions to support the citrus industry.

    Mandadi, a professor in the Texas A&M Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology and researcher at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Weslaco, has dedicated a decade to studying citrus greening. In the past few years, he and his collaborators have found new potential treatments for citrus greening, offering hope to the producers and consumers alike.

    “We’ve seen a nearly 90% loss in citrus production in Florida over the past two decades,” Mandadi said. “Some people think of it as a cancer for citrus trees. If we don’t develop solutions, we’re eventually going to see the same results unfold across the country. But luckily, we’re now much closer to effective, sustainable solutions.”

    Citrus greening’s national threat

    Citrus greening, a bacterial disease also known as Huanglongbing, established in Florida in the early 2000s. The disease-causing bacterium is spread from tree to tree by the Asian citrus psyllid, a tiny insect found in groves across the state and country.

    Once the bacterium infects plants, it spreads through the tree’s vascular system and blocks the flow of nutrients. Mandadi said that by the time symptoms appear, which can be years after the initial infection, it’s too late to recover the tree.

    “Citrus greening is a silent killer,” he said. “Trees are often asymptomatic at first, and it’s not feasible for producers to regularly perform molecular diagnostics on all trees in a large orchard. Instead, growers have to apply frequent insecticides and hope their trees won’t be infected.”

    After just a few years following its introduction, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that Florida’s citrus production had dropped by 75%, while the cost of production had more than doubled.

    Mandadi said Florida’s tropical climate likely supported the bacteria and insect’s ability to thrive, compounded by hurricanes and other environmental conditions that left trees more susceptible to infection and disease. Producers attempted to use more pesticides and remove infected trees to replant, but citrus greening persisted.

    Recently, a few antibiotic-based products were approved for emergency use in citrus in Florida and gave some reprieve to growers, but more sustainable products are needed to stop citrus greening in the long term.

    Fighting back

    Despite the threat, Texas is in a better position to respond to citrus greening than Florida had been in, said Dale Murden, a citrus grower and president of the Texas Citrus Mutual and Citrus Pest and Disease Management Corporation located in South Texas.

    For one, Texas’ drier climate keeps the disease from spreading as quickly. Additionally, our researchers and regulatory bodies in Texas had a head start on preparing for citrus greening’s inevitable arrival. Murden said Texas producers adopted aggressive pest management strategies and quarantine measures to slow the disease’s spread.

    “We have a robust citrus industry here in Texas,” he said. “We have a lot at stake when it comes to our citrus, and we were prepared to respond after seeing the impact citrus greening had in Florida.”

    Mandadi has been working with the citrus industry and producers to address citrus greening since its arrival, but, like others, he was initially stalled by the fastidious nature of the bacteria that causes it.

    For over a decade, researchers had to play defense, using surrogate systems to test potential solutions or therapies against citrus greening — until Mandadi and his research team developed a breakthrough technology that would enhance research efforts not just for themselves, but for citrus greening researchers nationwide.

    Getting to the root of the issue with hairy root technology

    While some plant pathogens can be grown as pure cultures in laboratories using a liquid or jelly-like nutrient medium, an estimated 99% of bacteria in the environment are fastidious, or unable to grow outside their native environment.

    The bacterium causing citrus greening falls into this fastidious category and was unable to be grown as lab cultures — until 2020, when Mandadi and his AgriLife Research team developed an alternative approach to liquid cultures called the “hairy root” system.

    The system works by growing roots from infected citrus leaves or branches, allowing scientists to create a natural growth environment for the bacterium to thrive in the hairy roots, and subsequently use them to screen numerous types of treatments at a speed that was previously not possible.

    “The hairy root system allows us to mimic the natural environment the bacterium is adapted for,” Mandadi said. “We were suddenly able to test potential treatments at a much faster rate, between four to six times as fast, and on a larger scale.”

    This breakthrough has also helped other collaborating researchers across the country and can be applied to other plant diseases. While Mandadi’s team developed the technique to study citrus greening, they have used a similar process to study other fastidious bacteria, including those that cause zebra chip disease in potatoes and Pierce’s disease in wine grapes.

    One of the most encouraging findings from this research has been the identification of natural compounds that could directly counteract the challenging citrus greening pathogen. — By Ashley Vargo, Texas A&M Agrilife

  • Four Vacancies on the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee

    CDFA is announcing four vacancies on the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee. The Committee advises the CDFA secretary on activities associated with the statewide citrus pest and disease work plan that includes outreach and education programs and programs for surveying, detecting, analyzing, and treating pests and diseases specific to citrus.

    The Committee member vacancies are for two grower representatives in Fresno County (one term expiring September 30, 2027 and the other term expiring September 30, 2028); one grower representative in Tulare County with a term expiring September 30, 2028; and one nursery representative with a term expiring September 30, 2027. Applicants should have an interest in agriculture and citrus pest and disease prevention.

    Members receive no compensation but are entitled to necessary travel expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Human Resources.

    Individuals interested in a committee appointment should submit a resume/CV by January 1, 2025 to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, Attention: David Gutierrez.

    For more information contact: David Gutierrez, Interim Director, Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division at 916-274-6300 or email (David.Gutierrez@cdfa.ca.gov).

  • Fresno Chamber Honors Harold McClarty as Agriculturalist of the Year

    The Fresno Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Fresno County Farm Bureau, is delighted to unveil the recipients of the 2024 Ag Awards, a cherished tradition that pays tribute to the outstanding leaders within our local agricultural industry. These distinguished individuals and organizations will be honored at the Ag Awards Celebration on November 7th, hosted at Pardini’s Banquet and Catering.

    The 2024 Ag Awards Honorees are as follows:

    Agriculturalist of the Year: Harold McClarty, HMC
    Harold is an innovator in the fresh fruit industry, using technology to enhance safety and productivity on the farm. His investments in innovation, including new trellises and automation, are shaping the future of agriculture. A past chair of CFFA, he also serves on the board of Western Growers, working closely with F3 to improve the lives of farm employees.

    Moss Adams Agribusiness of the Year: Trinity Company
    Trinity Company, a family-owned and operated company, was founded in 1991 by David E. White. Since then, Trinity Company has become a vertically integrated organization with a complete year-round portfolio. As grower, packer, and shipper, they feature fruit for every season. They also offer sales and logistics to make Trinity Company a full-service partner.
    AGvocate of the Year: Jeff and Jill Aiello 18THIRTY Entertainment
    Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Jeff and his wife Jill are passionate advocates for agriculture. Their work includes the documentary series American Grown and Tapped Out, which highlights critical issues in agriculture and water. Their storytelling and videography educate the public and inspire trust and engagement in agricultural narratives.

    Agricultural Employee of the Year: Silverio Madrigal, P-R Farms
    With 48 years of dedicated service, Silverio has risen from a tree fruit picker to a Farm Manager. He exemplifies loyalty and commitment, emphasizing safety training and communication with fellow employees. His long-term contributions showcase his value to the employer and family.

    “These awards symbolize vital facets of Fresno’s agricultural community,” remarked Scott Miller, CEO & President of Fresno Chamber of Commerce. “The Ag Awards Celebration has expanded its recognition to include those who play pivotal roles in the prosperity of our local industry and the broader Central Valley.”

    For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tatevik Hovhannisyan, Events Manager at the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, at thovhannisyan@fresnochamber.com or 559-905-6090.

    To view the list of past recipients of the Agriculturalist of the Year and Moss Adams Agribusiness of the Year awards, visit https://fresnochamber.com/.

    The Fresno Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest business organizations in the Central Valley, with approximately 1,200 member businesses representing over 77,000 employees. The Chamber’s mission is to “promote and support the success of the regional business community through effective advocacy, education and relationship building.

  • California Association of Pest Control Advisers Celebrates 50th Conference

    The California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA) recently gathered for their 50th annual conference. Bringing together a bright group pest control advisors tasked with protecting the most diverse agricultural landscape in the nation, watch this special video presentation highlighting what CAPCA is all about and what it means to be a member of this organization as they celebrate this milestone year.

  • New Film Captures Avocado Industry Impact on California Communities

    A new film about the avocado industry’s success at driving demand nationwide documents the local as well as global impact of the national marketing program led by the Hass Avocado Board (HAB) since its inception over 20 years ago. Independent researchers from the University of California, Davis found strategic promotion helped drive over 260% growth of U.S. avocado consumption while all fresh fruit consumption only rose by 9% during the same timeframe. Growers in California and the surrounding communities that benefit from their business activity have a lot to celebrate as researchers found evidence that with continued investment in research and marketing, the industry is poised for even more growth.

    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 growers, including over 3,000 avocado producers in California, has transformed since the Hass Avocado Promotion, Research and Information Order (HAPRIO) created the Hass Avocado Board (HAB) in 2002. Feedback like the comments below underscore the impact.

    “My family has been growing avocados for multiple generations,” said Chuck Bandy, a southern California producer for more than 35 years. “I appreciate that because HAB takes care of keeping demand high through promotion, I can focus on being hands-on in the groves doing my part to add value and security for my family and community.”

    “Mother Nature serves up plenty of curve balls to California growers,” commented Bob Schaar, HAB Chairman and southern California grower for over 25 years who had to replant his avocado grove after a fire destroyed it in 2007. “HAB’s continued success at using our incredible nutrition story to drive sales without having to discount fuels my excitement and confidence in the future, so I keep charging ahead with a positive outlook.”

    “There are hundreds of people involved behind-the-scenes of California’s avocado industry,” said Scott Bauwens, a northern California grower and 23-year operations veteran. “We all count on each other and HAB to keep profits up so there’s a lot to be proud of when I see in the report that we achieved an ROI of 247% over the last two decades.”

    Without the Hass Avocado Board and the member organizations’ ongoing support to grow consumption, the U.S. avocado industry might have faced diminished demand, increased supplies, and lower prices for producers and importers. Stakeholders across the supply chain can learn more about how HAB’s efforts have a positive effect on the whole industry and view the film at HassAvocadoBoard.com/HAPRIOImpact.

    About The Hass Avocado Board

    The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) exists to help make avocados America’s most popular fruit. HAB is the only avocado organization that equips the entire global industry for success by collecting, focusing, and distributing investments to maintain and expand demand for avocados in the United States. HAB provides the industry with consolidated supply and market data, conducts nutrition research, educates health professionals, and brings people together from all corners of the industry to collectively work towards growth that benefits everyone. The organization also collects and reallocates funds to California and importer associations to benefit specific countries of origin in promoting their avocado brands to customers and consumers across the United States.

  • Special Local Needs Registration Makes Herbicide Available to CA Avocado Growers

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation has issued a section 24(c) Special Local Needs registration for Forfeit® 280 (glufosinate-ammonium) herbicide for use in avocado groves. This registration is effective through October 31, 2029. Growers wishing to use Forfeit® must have a copy of the SLN label in their possession during use. The label can be found on the California Avocado Commission website.

    As you may recall, in May 2024 we alerted the industry that the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) had finally approved the herbicide Rely® 280 (glufosinate-ammonium) for use in avocado groves in California. The process to get Rely® registered had taken about five years and was a much-needed tool for California avocado growers to manage glyphosate (Roundup®) resistant weeds.

    Unfortunately, in late August we received word that BASF, the manufacturer of Rely®, had “chosen to discontinue production of Rely Herbicide.” This was shocking information to receive given the time that had been invested in obtaining this registration. And as we learned, it was a decision that was just as surprising to our contacts at BASF who had worked closely with us on the registration process.

    The California Avocado Commission is grateful to Loveland Products for their willingness to support our application for an SLN registration for Forfeit®. We also are grateful to DPR for the rapid review and approval of our application. We know that glufosinate-ammonium is an important tool for growers and we are happy that this disruption was relatively minor and growers will have Forfeit® available to them for the spring weed management season.

    As a reminder, Rely® (the BASF product) is still registered for use on avocados and is legal for use as long as supplies last, but growers must have a copy of the DPR approved label that has a stamp on it with the wording “LABELING ACCEPTABLE State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation Pesticide Registration” and can be found on the CAC grower website here: (https://www.californiaavocadogrowers.com/sites/default/files/Rely-280-NVA-2022-04-0598-0238-avocado.pdf).

  • National Watermelon Promotion Board Keeps Marine Corps Marathon Hydrated for 11th Year

    The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) is excited to announce its continued partnership with the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) for the 11th consecutive year. Known as “The People’s Marathon,” the MCM is celebrated annually on the last Sunday of October and stands out as the largest marathon worldwide that does not offer prize money. Instead, it champions a spirited community experience, highlighted by the distribution of refreshing watermelon. This year, 16 pallets of fresh watermelon were enjoyed by participants and supporters from every U.S. state and numerous countries at the Finisher’s Festival, celebrating their marathon achievements.

    This year, NWPB’s involvement was further supported by BASF | Nunhems, a leading global supplier of vegetable seeds. Their collaboration with NWPB helped ensure that the marathon’s participants maintained the same experience as in year’s past, reinforcing the Board’s commitment to promoting watermelon’s health benefits and versatility.

    At the Finish Festival, the NWPB team, along with national and state watermelon queens and coordinators, joined forces to hand out fresh watermelon slices. The queens, known for their ambassadorial roles in promoting watermelon across the country, were instrumental in making the event an engaging and memorable experience for participants. The team also distributed hundreds of Tajin® packets, encouraging runners and supporters to try the delicious pairing of watermelon with the popular seasoning—a crowd favorite.

    One marathon supporter shared their enthusiasm for the tradition: “Every year, I look forward to the fresh watermelon at the finish line. It’s the perfect post-run snack—hydrating, refreshing, and just what I need after this run. It’s the only thing getting me home!”

    This long-standing partnership exemplifies the Board’s dedication to promoting watermelon not only as a delicious and hydrating fruit but also as a healthy option for people of all walks of life. Stephanie Barlow, Senior Director of Communications, spoke on the importance of the NWPB’s ongoing sponsorship of the MCM: “Watermelon’s participation in the Marine Corps Marathon is a reflection of our fruit’s universal appeal. We believe watermelon is for everyone, and events like this reinforce that it’s not only a people’s favorite, but also great for hydration and overall health. We’re proud to be part of this marathon year after year—it’s a tradition we love because of the shared sense of community.”

    For more information about the Board’s participation in Marine Corps Marathon, contact Stephanie Barlow, Senior Director of Communications at sbarlow@watermelon.org.

    About National Watermelon Promotion Board

    The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB), based in Winter Springs, Florida, was established in 1989 as an agricultural promotion group to promote watermelon in the United States and in various markets abroad. Funded through a self-mandated industry assessment paid by more than 700 watermelon producers, handlers and importers, NWPB mission is to increase consumer demand for watermelon through promotion, research and education programs.

    A serving of nutrient-dense watermelon provides an excellent source of Vitamin C (25% DV), a source of Vitamin B6 (8% DV), and a delicious way to stay hydrated (92% water), with only 80 calories per 2-cup serving. Watermelon consumption per capita in the United States was nearly 16.9 pounds in 2023. Watermelon consumption in the United States was nearly 5.6 billion pounds in 2023. The United States exported an additional 377 million pounds of watermelon. For additional information, visit www.watermelon.org.

  • California Citrus Acreage Report Reveals Lemon and Mandarin Production on the Rise

    The Pacific Regional Office of the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducts an acreage survey of California citrus growers as funding is available. The purpose of this survey is to provide bi-annual citrus acreage, which includes information on new plantings and removals. It is the continuation of a long series of industry-funded Citrus Acreage surveys. Results of the survey reveal significant interest and growth in mandarin production. Grapefruit and lemon acreage are also on the rise, while Valencia and navel orange acreage is in decline. The bulk of growth in citrus acreage has been taking place in Kern, Riverside, Tulare and Fresno Counties.

    Users are cautioned that this report consists of two parts:

    • ➢ Table1 shows estimated statewide bearing acreage for the 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.
    • ➢ Tables 2, 3, 4 and 5 show detailed acreage data by type, variety, and year planted — as voluntarily reported by citrus growers and maintained in NASS’ database.With perfect information, the estimated statewide bearing acreage and the detailed acreage data would be the same. Generally, this will not be the case for the following reasons:
    • ➢ A voluntary survey of approximately 5,000 citrus growers is unlikely to ever attain 100 percent completeness.
    • ➢ It is difficult for USDA/NASS to detect growers who are planting citrus for the first time.

    PROCEDURES

    The major source of the citrus detailed acreage data was a questionnaire mailed to all citrus growers currently in NASS’ database. The mailing was sent in January 2024. The questionnaire contained previously reported crop, variety, and acreage information preprinted. Producers were asked to update the information with new plantings, removals, and any other corrections. New growers were mailed a blank questionnaire. Growers were given about eight weeks to respond by mail. A telephone follow-up was then undertaken. Data collection ended in July 2024.

    To arrive at the estimated statewide bearing acreage, the NASS citrus acreage database was compared with pesticide application data maintained by County Agricultural Commissioners and the Department of Pesticide Regulation.

    ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

    The USDA, NASS Pacific Regional Office sincerely appreciates the many orchard operators, owners, and management firms that provided their acreage information. Funding for the survey was provided by the California Citrus industry.