Nuts
UF new host for major plant breeding accelerator program
The University of Florida (UF) is the new home for a plant breeding improvement program. Breeding Insight (BI) is a USDA Agricultural Research Service-funded program that supports public breeding efforts via more than 61 USDA... more »
Five state coalition demands USDA AEWR transparency
Five states and 30 grower and produce organizations have organized to press the USDA on how it calculates the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), which determines minimum wages under the H-2A agricultural guest-worker program. The... more »
Sym-Agro introduces KitoGard for nematode and root disease control
Sym-Agro has released KitoGard, a new soil-applied product that functions as a nematicide, fungicide, bactericide and root growth promoter. Developed for fruit and nut growers, KitoGard offers a biodegradable, MRL-exempt alternative to synthetic chemistries, with... more »
Watermelon leader Buddy Leger dies
Buddy Leger Charles M. “Buddy” Leger, a major U.S. watermelon and pecan grower, has died. He was 92. Leger co-founded Leger & Son, based in Cordele, Georgia. Leger, who was also a leading figure in... more »
Pacific flatheaded borer threatening walnuts, other tree fruit
A field day is scheduled to address the Pacific flatheaded borer (PFB), a pest that is threatening walnuts and has been a threat to fruit trees. Walnut growers in Stanislaus County, California, are invited to... more »
Growers seeing more demand for organic walnuts
California nut growers aren't seeing premiums for their organic tree harvests. Certified organic crops typically earn a higher price than their conventional counterparts, but for struggling California walnut growers, the organic premiums have not necessarily... more »
Matoian Brothers master grape cultivation best practices amid labor and pest challenges
Brothers George and Richard Matoian have built a thriving table grape operation in Fresno, California by focusing on grape cultivation best practices that balance fruit quality, environmental care and efficiency. At Matoian Brothers, the pair... more »
Tech supplier brings automation to almond farms
Farm automation system Farmblox is expanding its reach to help almond and nut growers address critical challenges in the industry. Farmblox helps growers by connecting equipment and in-orchard sensors to the Internet. U.S. farmers spend... more »
















