How do I protect almond trees from pests?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Safeguarding almond orchards against threats of pest damage requires effective strategies and timely actions. Over the years, I have managed almond orchards where a proactive response prevented pest infestations from damaging the entire orchard. Begin by identifying common pest threats, such as navel orangeworm and peach twig borer, then take action with targeted strategies.
Preventative Measures
- Remove mummy nuts post-harvest to eliminate navel orangeworm breeding sites.
- Prune infected branches during dormancy to reduce overwintering pests.
- Install pheromone traps to monitor adult moth activity in spring.
Treatment Plans
- Spray Bacillus thuringiensis at bud swell for peach twig borer larvae.
- Apply neem oil every 7-10 days during aphid outbreaks.
- Use dormant oil sprays in winter to smother scale insects and mites.
Timing dictates whether pest control will be successful or not. You want to apply dormant oil in late winter before sequenced buds swell, as the oil will suffocate scale insects that are hiding out in the bark crevices. One time, I saved a Sacramento orchard by spraying it two days ahead of a major rainstorm, so the oil had ample time to adhere to the tree.
Biological Controls
- Release Trichogramma wasps to parasitize navel orangeworm eggs.
- Introduce lacewings to combat spider mites in drought conditions.
- Use entomopathogenic nematodes for soil-dwelling pests.
Cultural Practices
- Plant trap crops like sunflowers to divert pests from almonds.
- Use reflective mulch to deter aphids from young trees.
- Schedule irrigation to avoid creating humid pest habitats.
To avoid resistance, it is ideal to rotate your treatments. For instance, a grower in the Central Valley alternated applications of neem oil with spinosad, which resulted in an 80% reduction in aphids throughout two seasons. Always use the rates on the label, because anything above that level can be detrimental to beneficial insects, which is key to natural pest control.
Read the full article: How to Grow Almonds: Simplified Guide for Bountiful Harvests
