Why Is the Postharvest Period Important in an IPM Program?
After harvest, it is time to evaluate the previous year’s pest management program and start planning for the next year. Some of the tools for evaluation and planning include the harvest sample, fall weed monitoring, and specific fall monitoring programs for almond diseases including shot hole, rust, and hull rot. If rust lesions are present on leaves in fall, apply zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) to eliminate leaves on trees and reduce overwintering locations for the pathogen. Be sure to review all of your monitoring records for the entire season and begin preparations for dormant season activities.
