As temperatures rise and conditions shift in California’s almond orchards, growers should be preparing for increased disease pressure heading into early summer. Todd Burkdoll, Field Market Development Manager with Valent U.S.A., says several key diseases can quickly develop if conditions are favorable. Among the primary concerns are almond red leaf blotch, Alternaria, rust, and scab. Burkdoll noted that red leaf blotch continues to be a relatively new but important disease to monitor, especially if preventive treatments were not applied earlier in the season. At the same time, warm temperatures and potential moisture events create ideal conditions for Alternaria to develop. “If you’ve already seen signs of disease, you’re past prevention and into curative action,” Burkdoll said, emphasizing the need for timely response. Quash® Fungicide is one tool growers can use to manage these disease pressures. Burkdoll highlighted its strong performance in university trials, noting its ...