ABSTRACT
Almonds (Prunus amygdalus) are a very important deciduous nut crop in California, which produces 67 to 75% of the world’s almonds, and the amount of acreage planted is still increasing (USDA 1999). California became the world’s largest almond producer in the 1990s, with Spain coming in second (Murua et al. 1993). By 2005, approximately 680,000 acres had been planted, and approximately 50 different varieties are now grown, primarily in the Great Central Valley (which consists of both the northern Sacramento Valley and the warmer southern San Joaquin Valley). Both areas have hot, dry summers and wet, cold winters (freezes occur). Almonds are deep rooted and thrive on deep, well-drained soil. In California, all commercial almond orchards are grown using irrigation (UC IPM 1985). Almonds begin blooming in mid-February, and almonds are harvested during July and August (see Figure S17.1 on the CD).
