For an almond tree to produce the most nuts at the highest quality, it needs proper nurturing and maintenance. Achieving this standard requires sound orchard management and business decisions and a deep understanding of almond tree biology. In many cases, however, the information needed to make these decisions can be hard to find.
Again for 2018, the University of California, Davis, (U.C. Davis) plant sciences department and University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) are offering a two-week pomology course to fruit and nut growers seeking to learn the fundamentals of tree biology and create improvements in the orchard. Through a series of lectures, hands-on exercises and in-field demonstrations, the course aims to educate growers on basic plant biology and how core biological principles intersect with managing fruit and nut orchards.
The course is titled “Principles of Fruit & Nut Tree Growth, Cropping & Management” and will take place February 19 to March 1, 2018, beginning on the U.C. Davis campus.
The course is broken into two week-long segments. The first week dives into agronomy, showcasing research from industry leaders on topics such as tree growth, development and pruning, dormancy and chilling, flowering, pollination and fruit set. Course participants will then put their learnings to practice via in-field exercises and demonstrations.
"The pomology short course is a great opportunity to dive deep into tree biology, and that’s important to almond growers, because it helps explain how the trees make decisions throughout the year and across their lifespan,” said Danielle Veenstra, senior specialist, sustainable farming communications for Almond Board of California and attendee of the 2014 course. “The trees’ biology is hard wired, so a grower’s opportunity for success lies in understanding those realities and managing the orchard with those things in mind.”
Course instructor and U.C. Davis professor Theodore M. DeJong (left) explains root excavation to course participants. (Photo Credit: UC Davis)
The second week, while optional, offers a valuable line of sight into the wider California agriculture industry. Course participants will embark on a four-day field tour throughout fruit and nut tree growing territory in northern and central California, stopping at current U.C. Davis experiment sites, processing facilities and various orchards along the way.
"Attendees will walk away with a deeper understanding of almond trees, as well as how that biology can impact management decisions,” said Veenstra. “It’s also a great networking opportunity with plenty of time to interact with speakers and other attendees between lectures, hands-on field demos and the field tour.”
Upon completing the course, attendees will be treated to a graduation dinner and will receive a certificate. Scholarships are available for qualified California growers. Industry members of all experience levels are encouraged to register for the course no later than January 24, 2018.
