Blue Diamond Almonds – Bloom Report – March 3, 2015

March 3rd, 2015

Central Region

Central 3-3-15-2Weather conditions varied throughout the region. A high temperature of 62 degrees, as well as a low of 44 degrees, were fairly consistent throughout. Wind speeds and precipitation levels, however, varied dramatically. As much as .2 inches of rain fell over parts of western San Joaquin County and the southeast end of Stanislaus County. Along with isolated thunderstorms, light hail was reported in these areas as well. Wind speeds averaged 5 to 8 miles per hour in most areas, with gusts reaching up to 17 miles per hour. Due to these conditions, bees were only able to put in 4 to 6 hours of fair activity.

In areas that received higher wind speeds and rain, petal fall was exaggerated in the Butte and Padre varieties. Observers have noted that while the Butte and Padre varieties appear to be hanging on to their petals, many of the flowers still in bloom no longer have viable pollen. This is a sign that we are at or near the end of bloom in the central region.

Central 3-3-15-1As bloom in the region winds down, growers are keeping their eye on the developing nutlets. The Nonpareil and it’s pollenizer varieties have begun breaking out of their jackets and the nutlets are beginning to swell.  As the crop develops, chances are that the larger nuts will be retained and smaller nuts  will be shed from the tree in the coming weeks.

Tomorrow’s report will be the last for this year’s bloom. The next scheduled report will be posted on Monday, March 16, 2015. In the event of any significant occurrences prior to that date, this site will be updated as soon as possible.Central 3-3-15-3

Blue Diamond Growers
Bloom Report
Area: Central
Date: 3/2/15 Posted On: 3/3/15
Weather Data:
Temperature —> High –> 62 Low –> 44
Wind Speed —> Average –> 5-8 Peak Gust –> 17
Rain —> Inches –> tr-.2 When –> noon through afternoon. Off and on throughout region
Clouds —> PC am. OVC during rain Fog –> None
Bee Activity –> 4-6 hours fair depending on conditions.
BLOOM STAGES                  
Percentages Dormant Green Tip Pink Bud Popcorn Bloom Petal Fall Jacket Nutlet Total
Sonora             88% 12% 100%
Nonpareil             95% 5% 100%
California           1% 92% 7% 100%
Carmel           5% 95% 100%
Monterey             97% 3% 100%
Butte         6% 25% 69% 100%
Padre         12% 34% 54% 100%