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Almonds
> Year-Round IPM Program > Dormant/Delayed
Dormant > Why Is the Dormant/Delayed Dormant Season Important?
Almond
Why Is the Dormant/Delayed Dormant Season Important in an IPM Program?
Dormant spur |
Bud swell |
Green tip |
Dormancy is generally defined as the period from leaf fall until growth resumes in spring. Delayed dormancy is
the period from the resumption of growth, indicated by bud swell, until green tip.
Dormant season begins around December 1 and ends when bud growth begins, about February 1 or so. This season varies
according to region, variety, and weather.
The dormant season is a critical period for certain pest management activities including:
- Removing mummy nuts for management of navel orangeworm and brown rot.
- Managing pests such as scales and mites with oil sprays. Sprays at this time of year are most effective because
leaves are off trees allowing better coverage. Also, beneficial insects are less likely to be harmed.
- Monitoring and assessing pest populations with the dormant spur sample.
Dormant versus delayed-dormant treatments
- Pests best controlled with dormant treatment:
- Pests best controlled at delayed dormancy:
- European red mites (eggs)
- Brown mites (eggs)
- Obliquebanded leafroller larvae in bud scales
- Pests adequately controlled at either dormancy or delayed-dormancy:
- European fruit lecanium
nymphs
- Peach twig borer larvae in hibernacula
Choice of insecticides
During the dormant season, applications of organophosphate or pyrethroid insecticides
against peach twig borer are discouraged in an IPM program. Delay peach twig borer Bt applications until bloom
time.
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