Crop Production - Calif. navel oranges down 34%

Navel orange production is down - a lot - for 2008-09. After the low prices of last season, California growers may like it better this way. Here are some highlights of the USDA's Sept. 12 crop production report: Also, follow the link for extensive potato variety info this year.

California navel orange production for the 2008-09 season is forecast at 32.0 million boxes (1.20 million tons), down 34 percent from last season's revised production of 48.5 million boxes (1.82 million tons). This initial forecast is based on an objective measurement survey conducted in California's Central Valley between July 21 and August 27. Survey results show average fruit set per tree is at the lowest level on record, down 48 percent from last year's set and down 23 percent from the previous record low. The low fruit set is due to high temperatures in May which resulted in excessive fruit drop. Average fruit size is lower than average, but fruit quality is expected to be good.

Florida Citrus: The first two weeks of the month were busy for growers as they put out final applications of summer oils, cleaned ditches, and fertilized, mowed, and hedged groves. The focus changed when Tropical Storm Fay swept across the Florida peninsula twice during the middle of the third week. Although fruit drop from the wind was minimal, tree damage could result from excess water generated by the storm. Citrus producing counties along the East Coast had up to a foot of rain in a single week. Counties in the southern and central citrus areas recorded rainfall amounts between three and eight inches, and isolated areas reported higher amounts. Most growers began pumping excess water out of ditches and canals before the storm hit, in anticipation of extreme rainfall amounts, and continued pumping for several days afterwards. Access to groves with canker or greening was monitored by owners. Every precaution to prevent the spread of disease was being implemented. Where caretakers have spent ample time maintaining groves, oranges progressed well with sizes up to almost baseball size by the end of the month. Grapefruit were typically slightly less than softball size at month's end. Overall, conditions remained good in well-managed groves. California Citrus: Valencia orange harvest was slow during August due to decreased demand. Some growers were holding onto fruit until late summer or fall when demand is expected to increase. Lemon harvest continued. Navel orange fruit size continued to develop, as some trees were sprayed for scale. Citrus growers continued grove maintenance. Irrigation was necessary in many areas due to hot weather.

California Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts: Irrigation continued during August in vineyards and orchards. Growers were monitoring water use closely due to water restrictions in many locations. Table and wine type grape harvest continued during the month. Flame and Thompson Seedless, Diamond Muscat,Black Emerald, Red Globe, Summer Royal, Autumn Royal, Princess, and Crimson varieties were harvested. Wine and juice grape varieties harvested included Alicante Bouchet, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Carignane, Grenache, Merlot, and Zinfandel. Growers began laying grapes on the ground to dry, marking the start of the raisin grape harvest. Zante currants were harvested and rolled. Stone fruit and pomegranate cultural practices such as irrigation, summer pruning, and treatments to control weeds and insect pests continued. Peach, plum, and nectarine varieties were harvested. In Yuba County some cling peach orchards were being left unharvested due to damage from the April freeze. Other tree fruits harvested included figs, Asian and Bartlett pears, and Gala and McIntosh apples. The pear crop appeared to be below average in some locations. In Stanislaus County, field fumigations were underway in strawberry fields. Various kinds of berries were still being picked in parts of the State. Kiwifruit was sizing in Yuba County. Olive fruits were sizing nicely, though some groves were expected to be left unharvested due to low yields. Almond harvest was well underway during August. Many new acres came into production this year, and the quality of fruit nuts looked good. Hull-split was still occurring in many groves. Walnut orchards were prepared for harvest, and trees were propped due to the heavy crop. Cleanup of broken limbs was underway, and treatments for codling moth, mites and husk fly continued. Yields appeared low in groves damaged by frost earlier in the season. Pistachios growers were preparing for harvest.