
CROP PROTECTION
Citrus: PCAs are walking bin lines checking for fruit quality, quantity and size. Right now, GAR Bennett’s advisors are seeing a little bit of red mite, katydid, cutworm and orangedog. Talk with your GAR Bennett PCA about the best plan of action to combat these pests.
Stone Fruit: The recent round of rain may have growers considering one more round of fungicides with later blooming varieties. Bloom started off fast and furious in January with the warmer weather. Cooler nights helped slow the progress and it looks like it will be a normal season with bloom ending in mid-March. Fertilizer and nutrition sprays are important right now as growers watch and combat thrips. The key for stone fruit: the bigger the pit size, the bigger the fruit, meaning a more premium product.
Pistachios & Walnuts: While trees are still dormant, it’s a good time to prune if you haven’t already. You may want to keep an eye out for mealybugs, get your codling moth traps up and consider applying any necessary blight or pre-emergent spray. Should be a good season!
Almonds: Orchards are in full bloom; recent rain means more fungicides may be needed along with bloom sprays. There may be an opportunity for herbicides as well. Trees are vulnerable to diseases right now. GAR Bennett PCA’s are beginning to monitor for leaffooted plant bug (LFB).
Grapes: Bud break is starting on grapes; it may be time to talk to your GAR Bennett PCA about Phomopsis sprays. Another spray may be necessary due to the recent rain to protect plant tissue.
Tomatoes: Transplants are starting. Keep an eye out for darkling ground beetles. These pests will attack seedlings and feed on foliage.
Garlic & Onions: Fields are growing nicely and we are finishing up applications. Fun fact: Garlic is one of the healthiest foods on earth. In WW2 it was given to soldiers as medicine. Onions have been a part of the human diet for more than 7,000 years.

BEE Aware of Neighbors During Applications
CROP NUTRITION
WATER SERVICES

COMPLIANCE
WORKER SAFETY
Though pesticide safety is the most requested topic this time of year, we want to remind growers about other important trainings that can be incorporated into your program. If you send your crop to a packing facility, the probability of needing to follow their food safety requirements is quite likely. Our trainers are up to date on all topics required to help pass your GLOBALG.A.P. or PrimusGFS audit. This includes employee hygiene, equipment safety and more. Our worker safety team works closely with GAR Bennett’s food safety consultants to ensure each requirement is being met so expiration dates are managed ahead of schedule. If you need specific trainings for unique equipment or crews, reach out to GAR Bennett’s worker safety team today to help build a program around your farming entity.
FOOD SAFETY
WHAT’S HAPPENING


