California Fruit and Vegetable

Tag: California Fresh Fruit Magazine

  • COVID & Logistical Issues Reduce US Stone Fruit Exports into Taiwan

    Taiwan’s peach production for MY2021/22 is forecast to increase to 17,000MT. Peach and nectarine imports are forecast down to 13,500 MT due to reduced demand at peak fruit season caused by Taiwan’s COVID-19 outbreak in May and June. Cherry consumption for MY2021/22 is forecast flat at 12,400 MT. In 2020, total import volume from the United States decreased by almost 25 percent and market share fell to 50 percent, mainly due to decreased supply. Because of COVID restrictions on shopping at wet markets and local fruit shops as well as logistical problems, domestic fruit demand is expected to decrease in MY 2021/22. 

    MY 2021/22 peach production is forecast up to 17,000 metric tons (MT) due to less than expected damage from rain. Taiwan faced severe drought conditions during spring to early summer 2021, the critical period for peach growth. Peach fruit size this year is expected to be smaller but sweeter. Although the previous forecast had MY 2020/21 production recovering and surpassing that of MY 2019/20, 2020 production was essentially flat at 16,000 MT.

    Taiwan’s peach harvest season runs from March to August depending on the variety and planting elevation. In Taiwan, half of peach production is located near Taichung City, with the remainder followed by Taoyuan City, Hsinchu County, and Nantou County. There are several peach varieties sold through auction market. By order of harvest, there are: early peach (早桃) from March, followed by sweet peach (甜桃), Fu-Shou peach (福壽桃), Ying-Go peach (鶯歌桃), and honey peach (水蜜桃) in July and August. The sweet peach variety is the largest by volume in the local auction market. Read the full report from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service HERE. 

  • Detection of Citrus Disease (HLB) in San Diego County Establishes New Quarantine Area

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has declared a quarantine in north San Diego County following the detection of the citrus disease Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, in two citrus trees on one residential property in the city of Oceanside. This is the first time the plant disease, which does not harm people but is deadly to citrus, has been detected in San Diego County. CDFA is working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the San Diego County Agricultural Commissioner on this cooperative project.

    The detection will require a mandatory 68-square-mile quarantine area around the find site to restrict the movement of citrus fruit, trees and related plant material. The quarantine area is bordered on the north by Stagecoach at Camp Pendleton; on the south by Tamarack Ave in Carlsbad; on the west by the Pacific Ocean; and on the east by North Santa Fe in Vista. HLB quarantine maps for San Diego County are available online at: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/hlb/regulation.html. Please check this link for future quarantine expansions, should they occur. An HLB quarantine area currently exists in parts of Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, where more than 2,400 trees have tested positive for the disease and have been removed.

    The quarantine prohibits the movement of all citrus nursery stock or plant parts out of the quarantine area. Provisions exist to allow the movement of commercially cleaned and packed citrus fruit. Fruit that is not commercially cleaned and packed must not be moved from the property on which it is grown, although it may be processed and/or consumed on the premises. This includes residential citrus, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit and kumquats.

    Residents are urged to take several steps to help protect citrus trees:

    – Do not move citrus plants, leaves or foliage into or out of the quarantine area or across state or international borders. Keep it local.
    – Cooperate with agricultural officials placing traps, inspecting trees and treating for the pest.
    – If you no longer wish to care for your citrus tree, consider removing it so it does not become a host to the pest and disease.

    HLB is a bacterial disease that affects the vascular system of citrus trees and plants. It does not pose a threat to humans or animals. The Asian citrus psyllid can spread the bacteria as the pest feeds on citrus trees and plants. Once a tree is infected, there is no cure; the tree will produce bitter and misshaped fruit and die within a few years.

    CDFA staff are scheduling removal of the infected trees and are in the midst of surveying citrus trees in a 250-meter radius around the detection site to determine if any other trees are infected with HLB. A treatment program for citrus trees to reduce Asian citrus psyllid infestations will also be conducted within 250-meter radius of the find site. By taking this action, a critical reservoir of the disease and its vectors will be removed, which is essential to protect surrounding citrus from this deadly disease.

    CDFA, in partnership with the USDA, local County Agricultural Commissioners, and the citrus industry, continues to pursue a strategy of controlling the spread of the Asian citrus psyllid while researchers work to find a cure for the disease.

  • Monitoring Stem Water Potential in Citrus (Case Studies with StemSense)

    – SPONSORED CONTENT –

    Reliable and valid information about plant water status is a critical input variable for optimizing citrus orchard growth. Precisely managing citrus water stress during all phenological stages enables maximized production by: avoiding drought stress during flowering and fruit sets; achieving appropriate sugar levels; and maintaining fruit quality by, for example, avoiding peel creasing for example.

    Controlled water status can best be precisely achieved by monitoring the Stem-Water Potential (SWP) values regularly. After five successful years of experimentation and development, Saturas’ StemSenseTM sensors were installed in mature commercial citrus orchards around the world, and at the leading research phytotron in Israel. Saturas has a full library of commercial case studies and are available by request. This brief overview cites results from two: China and Spain

    China Layout

    Three Saturas StemSenseTM sensors were installed in an OR (Clementine) citrus orchard in the Hongjing farm, China. The StemSenseTM sensors were installed randomly in the orchard to represent the whole orchard status. The StemsenseTM sensors measured daily mid-day SWP values.

    Results and Conclusions

    Figure 1 illustrates seasonal values of Saturas StemSenseTM mid-day SWP values, daily ET0 and irrigation volume. Of note, is the positive and significant response to irrigation and changes in evapotranspiration. Note, for example, the rain stoppage from Aug 23th to Aug 30th, as reflected by the gradually increasing SWP values.

    Figure 1
    Figure 1 – Seasonal values of Saturas’ StemSenseTM Mid-Day SWP values, daily ET0 and irrigation volume.

    Spain Layout

    Five Saturas StemSenseTM sensors were installed in a lemon orchard in the Velcarda farm, Spain.
    The StemSenseTM sensors were installed randomly in the orchard to represent the whole orchard status. The StemSenseTM sensors measured daily mid-day SWP values.

    Results and Conclusions

    Figure 2 illustrates seasonal values of Saturas StemSenseTM mid-day SWP values, daily ET0 and irrigation volume. The Saturas StemSenseTM sensors showed a highly correlative response to irrigation and changes in evapotranspiration Note, for example, the increase in SWP values during late July- early Aug, the influence of the small irrigation on Aug 2nd, and the response of the trees to the regular irrigation started on Aug 13th.

    Figure 2
    Figure 2 – Seasonal values of Saturas’ StemSenseTM Mid-Day SWP values, daily ET0 and irrigation volume.

    Saturas StemSenseTM sensors showed a very rapid response to irrigation and a positive and significant correlation to manual pressure chamber measurements.

    Conclusions

    The StemSenseTM sensors, in these two case studies, demonstrated high measures of correlation to environmental stimuli such as ET, precipitation and irrigation while delivering reliable and valid SWP values over time. The commercial utility of StemSenseTM sensors is mutli-layered. The specific result of these studies demonstrates that the Saturas StemSenseTM sensors contribute reliable and valid information to the grower, critical for making good decisions for scheduling irrigation.
    In addition, the experimental and commerical aplications demonstrated a high correlation to manual pressure chamber measurements. Replicability of experimental outcomes has allowed Saturas to expand into the apple, avocado, cherry, almond, kiwi, vine markets.

    Avishai Avni-Maya PhD
    Chief agronomist
    Saturas Ltd
    972-50-7737778
    avishai@saturas-ag.com

  • Ag Goals & Progress of Voluntary Agreements for Bay-Delta Flows

    What is now being referred to as a 20 year drought in California has caused many problems for not only farmers, but all Californians and wildlife. In addition to the dire need for water infrastructure renovations, farming groups are also very focused on pursuing voluntary agreements for alternatives to the California State Water Resources Control Board plan for Bay-Delta flows.  Watch this brief interview with Merced County farmer, Randy Fiorini who shared some insights from the Delta Stewardship Council as the discussions on voluntary agreements have resumed.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Merced Grower Works with Farmland Trust to Protect Acreage from Urban Development

    Merced County almond, walnut and peach grower, Randy Fiorini is proud to be the first farmer to work with both the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation and California Farmland Trust in a conservation fundraising campaign to protect agricultural land from urban expansion. Watch this brief video with Randy Fiorini as he explains the program and needed support to realize his goal.

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

  • National Weather Service Issues Excessive Heat and Elevated Wildfire Danger Warnings

    California Avocado Commission — The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat and elevated wildfire risk warnings in California this week beginning Tuesday, July 6 through Sunday, July 11. The conditions will pose a high risk for heat-related illnesses with possible record temperatures for the Antelope Valley area of Southern CA and brief critical fire weather conditions for the interior region. There also is a slight change of monsoonal thunderstorms and dry lightning from Wednesday through Sunday in the interior regions of Southern CA, most notably the mountain and desert areas.

    From Tuesday, July 6 through Thursday, July 8, the NWS notes there will be widespread highs of 95˚F – 105˚F in the inland valleys, mountains and deserts with warm overnight lows (about 70˚F) in the foothills and deserts. These conditions will pose a high risk of heat-related illnesses for those who work outdoors. During this same timeframe, humidities will lower to 5% – 15% and winds may gust from 25 – 45 mph during the afternoon and evening. The strongest gusts are predicted for the Antelope Valley and Santa Ynez Range. These high winds, low humidities and abnormally dry fuels will lead to elevated critical fire weather conditions over the mountains and interior valleys.

    From Friday, July 9 through Sunday, July 11, NSW predicts very hot conditions with temperatures ranging between 105˚F – 112˚F in the interior areas and Antelope Valley. Overnight lows will be in the mid to upper 70s in the deserts. Low humidities (5% – 15%) and gusty winds will continue the brief critical fire conditions in the mountains, deserts and inland valleys of this region.

    Employers should take special precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses from occurring. It’s important to provide ample water, provide shade and frequent rest breaks, and ensure supervisors and employees are aware of heat illness symptoms and those that require immediate medical attention. For more information, read “Reduce heat illness risk for employees” on the California avocado growers website.

    To ensure California avocados maintain their superior quality it is imperative growers manage their trees and harvest their fruit according to best management practices as outlined below.

    IRRIGATION
    Growers should be irrigating their trees now, in advance of the heat, to ensure their trees are fully hydrated. It is recommended that an additional 50% of the budgeted amount of water be applied the day before a heat wave. For extended heat waves, daily pulses of irrigation are recommended to maintain the trees’ water status. A well-watered tree will tolerate the stress of a heat wave much better than a tree that is suffering from water stress. Signs of heat damage to trees include fruit drop, shoot damage, leaf burn and in severe cases leaf drop.

    HARVESTING

    Every attempt should be made to harvest fruit when temperatures are below 90 °F, and no harvesting should take place when temperatures exceed 95 °F. Temperature in the shade should be monitored during harvesting and, when possible, harvesting crews should be moved to the coolest, least exposed areas of the grove.

    Field bins should be placed under the trees while being filled to protect the harvested fruit from sunburn. Once filled, bins should be moved to a shade structure (open-sided roofed building), or covered with bin covers or light-colored tarps if they cannot be immediately transported to the packinghouse. Never leave filled bins exposed to the direct sun. The surface layer of fruit can easily heat up to more than 15 °F above ambient temperature when exposed to direct sun. Acute sunburn will only show on fruit after it is packed and is a major quality detractor.

    To avoid water loss and decreased fruit quality do not hold fruit too long after harvest. Transport fruit to the packinghouse at least once per day, if not twice daily. Bins should not be left in the grove for more than 8 hours after harvest. Cover bins during transport to avoid sunburn and to reduce water loss.

    For more information about managing heat in avocado groves, growers can view the following articles on the California avocado growers’ website:

  • Citrus Research Board Awarded $3.4 Million to Fund HLB Research

    The Citrus Research Board (CRB) has been awarded $3,438,059 in funding from the Huanglongbing Multi-Agency Coordination Group (HLB MAC) to support its California Focused Citrus Research and Field Trials (CRaFT).

    The overarching goal of the CRaFT project is to demonstrate additional mitigations to improve psyllid control within commercial citrus groves across the various citrus growing regions in California. This information will inform areawide control efforts and demonstrate the benefits of control mitigation measures currently available to growers for regional, state, and national benefit. This project aims to demonstrate reduced psyllid levels (through trap, tap, and visual monitoring) within treated groves as a year-by-year measurement and relative to the regional psyllid levels.

    “We are excited to develop the first CRaFT project for citrus in California, as this project will bring new energy to the fight against HLB and benefit growers across the state while investing in vital research,” said CRB President Marcy L. Martin.

    A group of 10 industry members will steer the project through the CRaFT Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) in conjunction with the CRB. This combined group will work with industry personnel to recruit growers in various regions to implement innovative psyllid management strategies. Growers who apply and are selected will receive reimbursement for costs associated with participation in the program.

    The project will be administered over two years by the CRB, with the intent to renew. Efforts in year one will include creating a foundation for the program while conducting trap-based monitoring. Data from these measures will be collected and summarized to demonstrate changes in psyllid populations from resulting mitigation measures. Semiannual grower meetings and quarterly CRaFT TAC meetings will be initiated to review project progress and identify any potential project issues.

    Year two will expand on previous efforts to provide data demonstrating changes in psyllid populations from applied mitigation measures. Findings will be summarized and shared with industry members to promote effective treatments.

    The HLB MAC group was established as an emergency response framework to better position the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to coordinate the citrus industry’s immediate and long-term needs in dealing with HLB. HLB MAC funds projects to drive innovative solution-oriented research while delivering effective and practical tools to growers.

    In addition to funding for the California Focused CRaFT project, other programs awarded funding for FY2021 include:

    • $4,061,941 to Texas (CRaFT project)
    • $676,665 to USDA Agricultural Research Service (expand data management tools to support these projects)

    For more information about the California Focused CRaFT Project and HLB MAC, visit www.citrusresearch.org.

    The CRB administers the California Citrus Research Program, the grower-funded and grower directed program established in 1968 under the California Marketing Act as the mechanism enabling the State’s citrus producers to sponsor and support needed research. More information about the Citrus Research Board may be found at www.citrusresearch.org.

  • Eating Prunes Daily Improves Risk Factors for Heart Disease and Inflammation

    New research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food suggests eating prunes each day can improve risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) including raising antioxidant capacity and reducing inflammation among healthy, postmenopausal women.

    Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death worldwide posing a significant public health challenge. The research led by San Diego State University reveals that prunes can positively affect heart disease risk.

    “When you look at our prior research and the research of others combined with this new data, you’ll see consistent evidence that eating prunes can promote health,” said lead researcher Shirin Hooshmand, Ph.D., RD, Professor at the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences at San Diego State University.

    In this randomized, controlled study, researchers found that eating 50 grams of prunes (about 5-6 prunes) each day for just 6 months resulted in improved CVD risk biomarkers – including raising the body’s “good” cholesterol, known as HDL, and lowering the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL. 

    Eating prunes daily also promoted higher antioxidant capacity and lowered levels of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha associated with CVD risk. Notably, body mass index and weight of the study participants were maintained during the trial despite adding prunes to the usual diet.

    Researchers recruited 48 healthy, postmenopausal women who were divided into three groups – a control group who ate no prunes, and two treatment groups who consumed either 50 grams or 100 grams of prunes daily, throughout the six-month study. All other aspects of the women’s diets and lifestyles remained similar to before the study. Various biomarkers of CVD risk were collected at the beginning and conclusion of the study to determine if there were any improvements in those biomarkers among those who consumed prunes. Interestingly, there were some similar positive results among those who ate 50 grams of prunes and those consuming 100 grams – suggesting that adding 5-6 prunes or more into the daily diet may have a positive effect on CVD risk.

    “Reducing chronic inflammation and increasing antioxidant capacity in the body is associated with lower risk of CVD, along with many other diseases,” said Mark Kern, Ph.D., RD, CSSD Professor of Nutrition at the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences at San Diego State University. “Not only does this study show that prunes may be a good way to reduce inflammation and increase antioxidant capacity, it also suggests that eating prunes every day may improve cholesterol levels in postmenopausal women.”

    While the precise mechanisms and specific compounds that contribute to these beneficial effects have yet to be determined, naturally occurring antioxidant-powered phenolic compounds, fiber and other nutrients are thought to play a role. This study demonstrates that prunes may be a promising and convenient addition to the diet to reduce CVD risk and inflammation, while also improving antioxidant capacity. 

    The study adds to a growing body of evidence about the overall health and nutrition benefits of prunes, including bone health. Previous clinical research demonstrates a favorable bone response to prunes among postmenopausal women. Most recently, researchers reported that total bone mineral density increased in a postmenopausal woman with osteopenia after she consumed 50 grams of prunes daily for 16 months. This case study was published in the Bone Reports in May of this year.

    FUNDING 
    The Journal of Medicinal Food study was funded by the San Diego State University Grant Program, the California Prune Board (No. 57114A; ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT02325895), and the Kasch-Boyer Endowed Scholarship in Exercise and Nutritional Sciences in San Diego State University.

    The Bone Reports study was funded by the California Prune Board.

    REFERENCES
    Hong MY, Kern M, Nakamichi-Lee M, Abbaspour N, Ahouraei Far A, Hooshmand S. (2021) Dried Plum Consumption Improved Total Cholesterol and Antioxidant Capacity and Reduces Inflammation in Healthy Postmenopausal Women. J Med Food. 10.1089/jmf.2020.0142.

    Strock NCA, Koltun KJ, Weaver C, De Souza MJ. (2021) Dried Plum Consumption Improves Bone Mineral Density in Osteopenic Postmenopausal Woman: A Case Report. Bone Rep. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bonr.2021.101094.

    ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA PRUNE BOARD
    Created in 1952, The California Prune Board aims to amplify the premium positioning and top-of-mind awareness of California Prunes through advertising, public relations, promotion, nutrition research, crop management and sustainability research, and issues management. The California Prune Board represents approximately 800 prune growers and 28 prune, juice, and ingredient handlers under the authority of the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture.

  • Samantha Dorsey, President of McEvoy Ranch, Celebrates 20 years of World-class Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    This year, Samantha Dorsey celebrates her 20th anniversary with McEvoy Ranch. Dorsey began her career on the Garden Team in 2001 before becoming Farming Manager in 2013. In 2016, she was promoted to General Manager, then became the company’s President in 2019. Given her tenure, Samantha is intimately familiar with every aspect of the property including its unique microclimates that provide a distinct terroir to our olive orchards and gardens.

    After receiving her BA in Environmental Studies from Oberlin College in 2001, Samantha began her career with McEvoy Ranch. She has managed the olive tree nursery, as well as the Ranch’s vineyards and orchards. Her focus has always centered on sustainable farming, creating a ranch environment that is environmentally, socially, and fiscally sustainable.

    Samantha adds, “We have built a solid team of talented employees here at McEvoy Ranch dedicated to making and sharing our world-class products, as well as supporting our local community and understanding our role in California agriculture. I love learning from our team and working with staff to improve and innovate in agriculture, product development, hospitality, finance, and operations. I love working with such ancient products (olive oil and wine) in such a modern setting. We have thousands of years of production knowledge to build upon, but we do so with all of our modern tools and sensibilities.”

    As President, Samantha is shepherding McEvoy Ranch into its next stage of growth. She continues to lead workshops on olive orchard management and shares her expertise regarding sustainable farming with other growers in many areas including California, Oregon, Arizona, Mexico, and New Zealand. In addition, Samantha sits on the Executive Committee for the Olive Oil Commission of California and is a board member of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance.

    About McEvoy Ranch

    For over 30 years, McEvoy Ranch has made award-winning, estate olive oils, small lot wines, culinary, and olive oil beauty products. Located 30 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge in the rolling hills of Petaluma, McEvoy Ranch is a 550-acre working, organic ranch, committed to good land stewardship and sustainable farming practices.

  • New POM® Antioxidant Super Tea Flavors Named Best Flavored Tea And Best Ready-To-Drink Beverage

    Just in time for summer, POM Wonderful® is excited to announce two award wins for its newest POM Antioxidant Super Tea flavors, Pomegranate Elderberry Boost Tea and Pomegranate Orange Blossom White Tea. Pomegranate Orange Blossom White Tea has been selected as a winner in PEOPLE Magazine’s 2021 Food Awards for “Best Flavored Tea,” while Pomegranate Elderberry Boost Tea has won gold for “Best Ready to Drink Beverage” in this year’s Delicious Living magazine’s 2021 Best Bite Awards for both Retailer and Consumer choice.

    Each bottle of POM Antioxidant Super Tea is powered by the antioxidant goodness of pomegranate juice and a bright blend of gently brewed teas, so each taste is like a delicious sip of sunshine. Launched in March 2021, Pomegranate Elderberry Boost Tea is a bold trio of flavors that combines the antioxidant power of pomegranate and elderberry with a boost of black tea, while Pomegranate Orange Blossom White Tea is a harmonious combination of crisp white tea, orange blossom, and the antioxidant goodness of pomegranate.

    The PEOPLE Magazine’s 2021 Food Awards highlight the best new food and drink products offering convenience and great taste at supermarkets nationwide. To determine the best new products of the year, hundreds of products were tested by PEOPLE’s test kitchen, editorial staff, and a panel of chefs and experts.

    The ninth annual Delicious Living Best Bite Awards recognizes the best food products that prioritize flavor and clean ingredients, voted on by natural health shoppers (Consumer Choice Awards), as well as natural health retailers (Retailer Choice Awards). Products rated highest in quality, purity, ingredients, efficacy, and innovation are rewarded to help consumers evaluate and select the best food choices in a market that continues to explode with options.

    “We’re thrilled to expand the POM Tea lineup in time for summer, bringing refreshing new flavors with floral notes and antioxidant goodness to brighten up beverage options,” said Adam Cooper, senior vice president of marketing, The Wonderful Company. “These accolades for our new POM Antioxidant Super Tea flavors solidify the strong consumer demand we’ve seen across the board for POM Wonderful products that harness the power of antioxidants.”

    Overall, the new additions to the POM Antioxidant Super Tea portfolio have contributed to a significant increase in sales volume (+45%) since their launch as consumers search for delicious and refreshing ready- to-drink beverage options with a functional benefit. The entire POM Antioxidant Super Tea lineup—which also includes Pomegranate Lemonade Tea, Pomegranate Honey Green Tea, and Pomegranate Peach Passion White Tea—is available at retailers nationwide and online, allowing consumers to brighten up their day with antioxidant goodness.

    For consumers looking to expand their summer cocktail lineup, the POM Tea Spritz and POM Tea Sea of Cortez feature the award-winning POM Antioxidant Super Tea flavors, and are perfect for any summer soiree.

    About POM Wonderful

    POM Wonderful is the largest grower and producer of fresh pomegranates and pomegranate juice in the United States as well as the worldwide leader in fresh California pomegranates and pomegranate-based products including our 100% pomegranate juices, healthy juice blends and teas. We grow, handpick and juice our own pomegranates to ensure the highest quality.

    POM Wonderful is part of The Wonderful Company, a privately held $5 billion company, which also has other No. 1 brands such as Wonderful® Pistachios, FIJI® Water, Wonderful® Halos®, JUSTIN® Wine, and Teleflora®. To learn more about The Wonderful Company, visit www.wonderful.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To view the current Corporate Social Responsibility report, visit www.wonderful.com/csr.