California Crop Weather report

Weather

A series of storm systems brought widespread showers to California. The start of the week was dry with a ridge of high pressure allowing mostly sunny, dry, and mild conditions to prevail across much of California.

By Tuesday, a low pressure system moved to just off the coast of the Pacific Northwest bringing a cold front to Northern California, rains and mountain snow across the northern half of the state, and dry weather to Southern California. The low shifted south resulting in showers in the south Thursday.

With the low positioned near Southern California, Northern California had dry but cool conditions at the end of the week while showers fell in the south during the weekend. On Sunday, the low pressure system, which had been off the Southern Californian coast, shifted inland and quickly moved into Arizona by Sunday night.

Fruit crops

Full bloom continued for the plum, prune, peach, cherry, and other early varieties of stone fruit across the Central Valley. Fungicide sprays were applied to blooming stone fruit trees. Pruning of orchards and vineyards approached completion while citrus trees were topped. Picking of tangerines, Navel oranges, grapefruit, and lemons continued.

Strawberry and blueberry plantings began blooming. Out-of-state raspberry bushes arrived for planting.

Nut crops

Widespread bloom continued in almond orchards, in addition to considerable petal fall. As a result of recent moisture and anticipated warmer weather, brown rot remained a concern. Most growers applied second and third protective sprays to limit the impact of spring diseases.

Source : Western Farm Press