Pistachio growers are eager for springtime to arrive, and warm weather on the horizon means dormancy is almost over.
“Pistachios need a certain amount of heat to push buds and begin flower development. Once this begins to happen, the tree is no longer an ectoderm, it’s end of the season can begin with the initiation of flowering and bloom. Trees, of course, plants are not warm-blooded like us. They’re really dependent on the air temperature and soil temps, so the speed at which they metabolize, the speed at which they begin plant development in the spring depends on the warmth: how warm or cold it is,” said Craig Kallensen.
There has also been talk that carbohydrates in the tree can trigger bloom. Kallensen tells aginfo.net that is a myth.
The aggressive disease can lead to significant yield losses without timely treatment.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says USDA has been preparing for a New World screwworm outbreak for more than a year as officials expand sterile fly production and containment efforts in Texas.
Funding will support studies focused on production challenges, crop management and new opportunities for growers.
The trip gave researchers a firsthand look at Brazil’s massive sugarcane industry and production practices.
USDA Undersecretary for Trade Luke Lindberg says expanding export demand is creating new opportunities for U.S. ethanol producers.
Cover crops may improve soil and reduce input needs over time, but producers should budget carefully before expanding acreage.