Bloom progression has slowed over the last two days due to cooler temperatures. Bloom that was progressing as much as 10% each day has slowed to progressing by around 5% each day over the past two days. This slowing in progression has allowed bee keepers to finish placing hives into orchards while the bloom is still in its earlier stages.
The northern region continues to be 4 to 5 days ahead of the rest of the state and has half of its Nonpareil and California-type flowers open for pollination. Meanwhile, in the rest of the state, the early blooming Sonora variety has roughly half of it’s flowers open for pollination. Nonpareil and it’s California-type pollinizers are under 25% bloom. The Monterey and Carmel varieties are a couple days behind Nonpareil in all districts, while the Butte and Padre varieties have flowers just beginning to emerge.
Nonpareil and Carmel – Western Stanislaus County
Bee activity has varied throughout the state depending on regional weather. While weather in the central region has been consistent with calm, clear skies and highs in the low 60s, other regions have not been as consistent. High winds in the northern region has made it tougher on bees. While the central region was averaging 6 hours or more of good to very good conditions, the northern part of the state struggled to get more than four hours of poor to fair pollinating conditions. The southern region has had similar bee activity to the north because overcast skies have kept bees close to the hive.
Spray rigs are running in the orchards treating for potential fungal issues. The cooler weather is allowing growers to stay ahead of the bloom to effectively treat the emerging blossoms. As seen in the accompanying pictures, growers are also finishing up their winter work. Tying Trees to support the weight of the upcoming crop and sweeping of mummy nuts for Navel Orange Worm control are taking place throughout the regions. Drier weather has allowed growers to keep up with their usual orchard tasks.
By Brian Noeller
Photos by Dennis Meinberg, Jereme Fromm, Ernie Reichmuth and Matt Willson
Sweeping mummy nuts – Butte County
Nonpareil and Carmel – Butte County
Tying trees – Madera County
Northern Conditions and Bloom Status
Current weather at the National Weather Service
| Variety | Dormant | Green Tip | Pink Bud | Popcorn | Bloom | Petal Fall | Jacket | Out of Jacket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonora | % | % | 8% | 23% | 62% | 8% | 1% | % |
| Nonpareil | % | 2% | 18% | 30% | 50% | % | % | % |
| California | % | 4% | 22% | 26% | 48% | % | % | % |
| Carmel | % | 6% | 27% | 35% | 32% | % | % | % |
| Peerless | % | % | 13% | 25% | 50% | 10% | 2% | % |
| Monterey | % | 5% | 19% | 38% | 38% | % | % | % |
| Butte | % | 28% | 39% | 23% | 10% | % | % | % |
| Padre | % | 30% | 42% | 23% | 5% | % | % | % |
Central Conditions and Bloom Status
Current weather at the National Weather Service
| Variety | Dormant | Green Tip | Pink Bud | Popcorn | Bloom | Petal Fall | Jacket | Out of Jacket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonora | % | 10% | 12% | 20% | 56% | 2% | % | % |
| Nonpareil | % | 12% | 45% | 19% | 24% | % | % | % |
| California | % | 22% | 35% | 21% | 22% | % | % | % |
| Carmel | % | 27% | 47% | 12% | 14% | % | % | % |
| Monterey | % | 25% | 45% | 10% | 20% | % | % | % |
| Butte | 2% | 43% | 43% | 7% | 5% | % | % | % |
| Padre | 4% | 63% | 28% | 4% | 1% | % | % | % |
Southern Conditions and Bloom Status
Current weather at the National Weather Service
| Variety | Dormant | Green Tip | Pink Bud | Popcorn | Bloom | Petal Fall | Jacket | Out of Jacket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonora | % | 2% | 47% | 10% | 41% | % | % | % |
| Nonpareil | % | 11% | 61% | 9% | 19% | % | % | % |
| California | % | 10% | 58% | 12% | 20% | % | % | % |
| Carmel | 1% | 42% | 47% | 7% | 3% | % | % | % |
| Monterey | % | 18% | 60% | 8% | 14% | % | % | % |
| Butte | % | 65% | 35% | % | % | % | % | % |
| Padre | 12% | 70% | 18% | % | % | % | % | % |