Almond Bloom Trials in California’s Central Valley

Why now: The bloom period concentrates risk from blossom blight (Monilinia laxa) and bacterial blast (Pseudomonas syringae)—and it’s the best time to quantify performance of fungicides, foliar fertilizers, biostimulants, and biologicals under field-real conditions. Our Central Valley program is now booking plots. 

Quick Specs

• Locations: Pacific Ag Research Central Valley station (Five Points, CA) + cooperating orchards. On-station almonds feature secure access and company-managed inputs for high-value test materials.
• Targets: Monilinia laxa (blossom blight), Pseudomonas syringae (bacterial blast); optional shot hole add-on per program goals.
• Study Types: Efficacy; flower-to-nut retention; supplemental pollen; residue, phytotoxicity, compatibility.

Pacific Ag Research - Five Points, CA

• Designs: RCBD/split-plot; 3–4 reps typical; plot sizes scaled to canopy and spray row spacing.
• Endpoints: Disease incidence/severity, AUDPC where applicable, retention %, set %, phytotoxicity, fruit damage/defect, residue.
• Deliverables: Clean data package, methods, and photo log; figures/tables ready for internal decks.

​Trial Formats (choose your path)

• Stand-Alone Trials — Full protocol control (rates, timings, rotations), designated positive control, expanded endpoints.
• Add-On Screening — Insert a single treatment into our standard program with positive & negative controls for a fast, cost-efficient read.

 
Why Pacific Ag Research for Almonds

• Almond is a core crop for our California program; our pathology team routinely runs blossom blight/brown rot and related disease studies.
• Purpose-built Central Valley access: Five Points almond plantings and infrastructure designed for on-station research.
• Backed by Ag Metrics Group’s multi-discipline platform (pathology, nematology, entomology, agronomy) with California, Florida, and Michigan stations.

Next Steps (windows are limited)

• Email your draft protocol for a 48-hour feasibility check or we can help draft a protocol for you.
• Hold a plot slot aligned to your bloom timing
• Decide format (Stand-Alone vs. Add-On) based on objectives and budget

Contact:
Brad Booker — [email protected] • (805) 471-0537 or Here