Course Description
The course on mating disruption options and incentive programs for almond growers in California provides a comprehensive overview of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. It begins with an introduction to various pheromone-based products from companies like Pacific Bio Control, Tracee, Sidetrack, and Simeos, detailing their deployment, efficacy, and benefits. The course covers monitoring techniques, data trends on pest population dynamics, and the effectiveness of pheromone disruption. Additionally, it discusses the NRCS incentive program, financial assistance criteria, and the importance of a holistic pest management approach, including orchard sanitation and sustainability goals. Practical insights and growers’ feedback are integrated throughout to enhance understanding and implementation.
Course Objectives:
After completing this course, learners will be able to:
- Discuss various mating disruption strategies and available financial incentives for almond growers in California.
- Explain the deployment process and training support for the Isomate Mist pheromone product and highlight successful trial outcomes in reducing naval orange worm populations and crop damage.
- Review data showing reductions in pest damage over three years, and evaluate the effectiveness of products like insect monitoring traps and the NOW Meso dispenser.
- Compare passive pheromone dispensers (Sidetrack) and smart dispensers with real-time monitoring capabilities (Simeos), emphasizing the importance of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach.
- Explore monitoring methods for naval orange worm, introduce Suterra’s CheckMate Puffer products, and promote the benefits of incorporating pheromone disruption into an IPM program.
- Emphasize the importance of a comprehensive pest management system, incorporating orchard sanitation, mating disruption, and pesticide applications, while addressing sustainability goals and regulatory pressures.
- Provide criteria and documentation requirements for growers to access financial assistance for mating disruption strategies through farm bill-funded programs.
- Discuss challenges in tracking naval orange worm flights and the effectiveness of mating disruption units, emphasizing orchard sanitation and encouraging grower feedback.
- Address concerns regarding shaker damage and pruning in citrus orchards, highlighting the need for further research on the impact of these practices on tree health.