Less water will mean smaller pistachios in 2014 and according to Richard Matoian, executive director of the American Pistachio Growers in Fresno, because of the state’s severe drought, estimating the total pistachio crop for 2014 will be nearly impossible. The industry will also need to be cognizant of air quality regulations as more dust in the atmosphere will increase levels of particulate matter. 2013 was the worst year on record for navel orange worm infestation in California’s pistachio orchards and grower will need to be aware of increases in infestations into 2014 because of high heat and high overwinter survival rates for the pests. Growers are advised to employ vigilant irrigation management, increase sprays and sanitation, improve coverage and harvest early to combat the pest. Infestations of other smaller pests such as lygus, calocoris, phytocoris, and California buckeye bug will probably be smaller this year because of a lack of weeds but growers should expect them to move into the orchards from the foothills earlier in the season.
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