The unusually wet winter and spring of 2023 has had unprecedented impacts on our local orchard systems. However, the cumulative impacts of a barrage of atmospheric rivers and persistent standing water in some flooded areas may not be realized for another year. Cold and rainy conditions during bloom limited pollinator activity and impeded orchard access for spray operations, creating the ideal conditions for the onset of plant pests and disease issues. The timing of bud and shoot development has likely also been impacted, as the buds for next year's crop are formed during the current year; therefore, the unusually wet and cold spring of 2023 may also influence the development of the 2024 crop.
The bloom period for many Prunus species (almond, peach, cherry, plum, prune, etc.) was unusually protracted due to the high frequency of rain and cool temperatures. Saturated soil conditions limited orchard access, resulting in delayed shaking of mummy nuts in almond, an essential sanitation practice for management of navel orangeworm, a key insect pest (Figure 1A). With few bee flying hours available for pollination, and wet, cold conditions conducive to disease development (Figure 1 B,C and D), the crop outlook for 2023 remains uncertain.
Pistachio, walnut, and pecan, all wind-pollinated crops, are experiencing delayed bud break and shoot development. The progression of bud break appears to be at least 10 days behind the norm and the timing and synchrony of male and female flower maturity is yet unknown.
Orchards that have sustained flooding may be physiologically impacted by roots persistence in anoxic conditions and may also be exposed to waterborne plant pathogens. Over time saturated soil will become depleted of oxygen by the roots and microbial communities resulting in anoxic conditions that can lead to root mortality. The extent of damage to the roots may not be realized until the season progresses, and root damage may manifest with general canopy decline and anchorage issues. Many of the tree crops grown in California are grafted onto disease resistant rootstocks. If flood water rises above the graft union, the benefit of these rootstocks is largely negated. Many rootstocks have been selected over time for resistance to Phytophthora spp., a group of soilborne pathogens that create motile spores that swim at the water surface. These pathogens are common in surface water, and incite canker diseases, particularly when the water level persists above the graft union. Symptoms of infection include general canopy decline and cankers, many of which ooze or ‘bleed' (Figure 1C). The full suite of symptoms may not manifest until further into the growing season when the heat imposes stress on the trees.
The rainfall and flooding have additionally influenced the nutritional status of orchard soils. Cool, wet soil conditions slow the chemical and biological reactions that control the availability of nutrients for tree uptake. Micronutrients, present in only trace concentrations in soil, become particularly limited as the wet and cold create reductive conditions that promote lime-induced iron chlorosis, a common nutritional deficiency in prunes, almonds, and citrus (Figure 1 E). In sites that have undergone whole orchard recycling with incorporation of woody biomass into the soil, saturated, anaerobic conditions may moderate the microbial activity needed to stimulate wood chip decomposition and further restrict nutrient availability until the soil warms.
As rivers breach their banks, rushing floodwater may transport the less-soluble nutrients, such as sulphate of potash (SOP) that is often applied in the autumn, away from the tree rootzone. As water moves through the soil profile, other nutrients, such as nitrogen, may be lost from the rootzone by leaching. The leaching will, however, ameliorate salt accumulation after years of drought, particularly in sites that have relied on saline groundwater for irrigation.
As the season progresses, growers should work closely with their PCAs, crop consultants, and UCCE farm advisors to observe and document orchard changes in the 2023 season. Photographs should be taken of anomalies, such as delayed bud break, so comparisons may be made to past and future years. Additionally, photos of putative disease and insect issues may easily be shared with representatives from private industry as well as researchers in the UC system for both diagnosis and discussion of best management strategies. A suite of photos and management options for the most common pest and diseases of agricultural crops can be found at the UC IPM website (www.ipm.ucdavis.edu).
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