Page 57 - Patrick Cavanaugh News Today

Louise Ferguson is with the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis as well as a UCANR Cooperative Extension Specialist. She noted that research continues on what is attracting Navel Orangeworm to the pistachio nut.

Anil Shrestha is a professor, weed science at California State University Fresno. He noted that growers keep pre-emergent herbicides available to help weeds from going to seed.

Franz Niederholzer is a UCANR Farm Advisor focused on Orchard Systems and based in Colusa County. He comments on a big freeze that hit the almond industry in early spring.<p>

Roger Duncan is UCANR Farm Advisor in Stanislaus County. He noted the need for more research on drought tolerant almond rootstocks.

Houston Wilson is an assistant UCARN Extension Specialist in Orchard and Vineyard IPM. He noted there is work to better understand NOW trapping and how it correlates with crop damage.

Richard Matoian is President of American Pistachio Growers, and he noted that pistachios can make it through the drought easier.

Pam Graviet is the Senior Marketing Director, International for the California Walnut Commission. She noted that Global Marketing of Walnuts takes effort.

Louise Ferguson PhD, is a UCANR Extension Specialist, and she is concerned about the upcoming pistachio season. She noted a new website may help growers.<p><p>http://ucanr.edu/pistachio-nut-growth

Mike Shires is an Associate Professor of Public Policy at Pepperdine University School of Public Policy based in Malibu. He said specialty crops including tree nuts are critical to our nations food supply. It should be part of our national dialogue. <p>

Jim Zion is managing partner and heads of sales for Meridian Growers, which produces almonds, pistachios, walnuts and pecans. He noted the strength of the almond industry.