Agriculture in California
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Agriculture is a significant sector in California's economy, producing nearly US$50 billion in revenue in 2018[update]. There are more than 400 commodity crops grown across California, including a significant portion of all fruits, vegetables, and nuts for the United States.[1] In 2017[update], there were 77,100 unique farms and ranches in the state, operating across 25.3 million acres (10,200,000 hectares) of land. The average farm size was 328 acres (133 ha), significantly less than the average farm size in the U.S. of 444 acres (180 ha).[1]
Because of its scale, and the naturally arid climate, the agricultural sector uses about 40 percent of California's water consumption.[2] The agricultural sector is also connected to other negative environmental and health impacts, including being one of the principal sources of water pollution.
Value
The table below shows the top 21 commodities, by dollar value, produced in California in 2017.[1] Between 2016 and 2017, there were increases by more than 2% in total value for the following crops: almonds, dairy, grapes and cattle. The largest increase was seen in almond sales, which increased by 10.9% from 2016 to 2017, due to both increases in crop volume produced and the average market price for a pound of almonds. Dairy sales increased 8.2% from 2016 to 2017 due to an increase in the average price for milk, despite a slight decrease in total milk production. Grape sales increased by 3.1% from 2016 to 2017 due to an increase in price per ton of grape (from $832 per short ton ($917/t) in 2016 to $847 per short ton ($934/t) in 2017). Cattle sales also increased by 2.7% from 2016 to 2017.[3][4]
| Crop | Annual value (billions of USD) |
|---|---|
| Dairy (milk and cream) | $6.56 |
| § Grapes | $5.79 |
| § Almonds | $5.60 |
| § Cannabis (legal sales) | $3.1 |
| § Strawberries | $3.1 |
| Cattle and Calves | $2.63 |
| § Lettuce | $2.51 |
| Walnuts | $1.59 |
| § Tomatoes | $1.05 |
| Pistachios | $1.01 |
| Broilers (poultry) | $0.94 |
| Oranges | $0.93 |
| § Broccoli | $0.85 |
| Hay | $0.76 |
| Rice | $0.68 |
| Carrots | $0.62 |
| Lemons | $0.61 |
| Tangerines | $0.54 |
| Cotton | $0.48 |
| § Raspberries | $0.45 |
| Garlic | $0.39 |
Specific crops
Alfalfa
Orloff et al., 2009 find § Glyphosate use in this crop is driving resistance here.[5]: 230
Almonds
California produces 80% of the world's almonds and 100% of the United States commercial supply.[6] Although almonds are not native to California, a hot, dry Mediterranean climate and developed water infrastructure create favorable conditions for commercial cultivation of the crop.[7] In 2020, there were 1.25 million acres (5,100 km2) devoted to almond farming in California, producing 2.8 billion pounds (1.3 Mt).[8]
Almonds are the state's most valuable export crop.[6] Farmers exported $4.9 billion worth to foreign countries in 2019, about 22% of the state's total agricultural exports, with the European Union, China and India as leading destinations.[6]
California almond farms import the majority of US commercial bee colonies to the state of California during the almond pollination season. Almond production in California is the source of several major environmental problems, including high demand for water and abundant waste of almond shells. As of 2021, due to a historic long-term drought in California, production was forecast to decline, and many almond orchards were being abandoned.[9]
Shipping disruptions, reductions in consumer spending, and trade disputes during 2020-21 caused by the COVID-19 pandemic affected logistics and pricing of almonds.[8]Almonds contribute a mean of 0.77 pounds emissions per acre per year in Mediterranean agriculture systems.[10]
Apple
The Fuji variety is a recent import from Fujisaki, Aomori, Japan.[11][12] Introduced in the 1980s,[12] it quickly became the most produced apple here.[11]
For a common disease and treatment see § Fire Blight and § Streptomycin.
Apricot
For a common pest see § Cucumber Beetle.[13]
Avocados
California farms produce 90% of all U.S.-grown avocados, with the great majority being of the Hass variety.[14] In 2021[15] the state harvest was 135,500 short tons (122,900 t) on 46,700 acres (18,900 ha) for a yield of 2.9 short tons per acre (6.5 t/ha), and at $2,430 per short ton ($2,679/t) that brought $327,369,000. Drought and heat can significantly reduce the harvest in some years.[16] The Polyphagous Shothole Borer and the associated disease it carries have been a great concern here since their discovery on home avocado trees in LA County in 2012.[17] Immediately eradication and quarantine efforts were instituted, and are continuing.[17] (See § Polyphagous shot hole borer below.)
For two invasive pests which have significantly reduced grower earnings[18] see § Avocado Thrips and § Persea Mite.
Barley
Barley stripe rust was first found near Tehachapi in May 1915 on Hordeum murinum by Johnson and reported by Humphrey et al., 1924.[19]: 9 Hungerford 1923 and Hungerford & Owens 1923 found the pathogen on cultivated barley in the central part of the state and also on H. murinum here.[19]: 9 See also § Stripe Rust.
Berries
See:
- § Blueberry
- § Caneberry, including:
Blueberry
The California Blueberry Commission represents growers.[20] UC IPM provides integrated pest management plans[21] for blueberry (Vaccinium spp.).
Broccoli
Almost all of the country's broccoli is grown here.[22] In 2021[update] that was 11,200 planted acres (4,500 ha), all of which was harvested.[22] The yield was 130.0 short hundredweight per acre (14,570 kg/ha; 13,000 lb/acre) for a harvest of 1,512,000 short hundredweight (68,600 t; 75,600 short tons).[22] There was only trace wastage.[22] Selling at a price of $51.50 per short hundredweight ($0.5150/lb; $1.135/kg), the year sold for $631,455,000.[22]
For an invasive pest of this crop see the painted bug § Bagrada hilaris.[23]
The typical biomass of harvest residue in the coastal regions is 5 dry short tons per hectare (1.8 t/acre).[24] This is not necessarily a waste product, as it can be useful as fumigant, see § Isothiocyanate.[24]
Caneberry
Caneberries (Rubus spp.) grown here include raspberry (see § Raspberry), blackberry, dewberry, olallieberry, and boysenberry.[25]
For a common disease of erect and trailing caneberry (excluding raspberry), see § Leaf Spot of Caneberry.
Cannabis
Cannabis is estimated to be the largest cash crop in California with a value of more than $11 billion.[26] The state provided most of the cannabis consumed in the United States prior to legalization which was intended to provide a transition to legal, licensed growing. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires a detailed analysis of the environmental impact of growers operations. Statewide, 208 growers had obtained regular, annual licenses by July 2019. At this point of some 18 months into legalization, 1,532 growers were still operating on provisional permits as they went through the CEQA process that requires extensive paperwork.[27] Smaller farms were given five years to become established under legalization before larger growers were allowed to enter the market.[28] Under the regulations set to expire in 2023, growers can have only one medium licence but there is no limit on the number of small licenses an individual grower can have. This loophole has allowed larger growers to operate.[29]
Humboldt, Mendocino, and Trinity counties have long been known as Northern California's Emerald Triangle as it is estimated that 60 percent or more of all cannabis consumed in the United States is grown there. Registering and applying for permits has not been an easy decision for many long time growers in these three counties.[26]
In Santa Barbara County, cannabis growing has taken over greenhouses that formerly grew flowers. In the first four months of legalization, the county had almost 800 permits issued for cultivators, the most of any county in the state.[29]
Calaveras County registered more than seven hundred cultivators after county voters approved a tax in 2016.[30]
Cherries
The California Cherry Board[31] is a state marketing order representing growers and intermediaries here.[32] The USDA FAS's Market Access Program funds international advertising especially in Canada, South Korea, Japan, China, and Australia.[32] The state produces the earliest crop in the year[32] starting in mid-April.[33] Lasting until early or mid-June every year, this is the second heaviest harvest after Washington.[33]
Planting density is usually about 100 trees per acre (250/ha) and the first real crop will be about six years later.[33] Honey bees are essential to pollination for this crop.[33] Cultivars grown here[34] are harvested by hand with the stem (pedicel).[33]
The center of the state produces almost all the entire crop[35] and San Joaquin County, near Lodi is the highest producing county.[33] Many of these are Bing.[33] As of 2022[update] newer Bing strains with better heat tolerance have recently been planted here as well as counties further south.[33]
Birds are common pests in cherry orchards.[36][37] See § Birds in fruits and § Methyl anthranilate for a repellent.
Cherry cultivars
Besides Bing, Brooks, Chelan, Coral, Rainier, and Tulare are also common.[34]
Citrus
The Mediterranean climate affords a lower rate of post-harvest disease than in some of the world's growing regions, similar to the Mediterranean itself, Australia, and most of South Africa.[38]: 6 Postharvest problems that do occur tend to be mostly blue and green Penicillium spp.[38]: 6 The Asian citrus psyllid was discovered in Southern California in 2008 and eradication and quarantine are now underway.[39][40] (See § Asian citrus psyllid below.) DDT was formerly extensively used in this crop.[41] (See § DDT.)
Cotton
Gossypium spp. are extensively grown in the Imperial Valley.[42] For a common pest see Cotton Aphid.
Pink Bollworm spread to California from its original introduction in Texas.[43] Despite wide establishment elsewhere in the southwest the San Joaquin Valley did not suffer permanent establishment.[44] SJV was protected by its sterile insect technique (SIT) program although neighbouring areas were continuously infested.[44] UC IPM provides management information.[45]
California was an early adopter of Bt cotton, but at a low proportion of acreage.[46] The SJV does not use it at all.[47] However Bt resistance has been slow to develop here and in Arizona and in Texas.[48] In the California/Arizona population Tabashnik et al., 2022 find Cry1Ac resistance and Cry2Ab resistance are common but the causative mutations do not cause Vip3Aa resistance.[49]
Bemisia tabaci strain B is common in the Imperial Valley.[50] The use of pyrethroids in the 1980s failed to control it and in deed caused a population increase.[50]
The southwest water shortage is reducing yield and acreage in the 2020s.[51]
Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) surveys show this crop is a significant cause of groundwater-related subsidence.[52]
1,3-dichloropropene and Chloropicrin are effective against the complex of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum and Nematode.[5]
Ortiz et al., 2017 provides a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method which differentiates the California race 4 strain from all others based on the PHO gene.[53] University of California Integrated Pest Management (UC IPM) provides practices for its control[54] including Glenn County.[55]
Some Pythium spp. are seedborne diseases in cotton.[56][57] UC IPM provide management information.[56]
Several Tetranychus spider mite species are common on cotton here including the Pacific Spider Mite (Tetranychus pacificus), the Two-Spotted Spider Mite (T. urticae)[58]: 18 and T. cinnabarinus.[59]
Eradication of the Pink Bollworm in this and neighbouring states was greatly aided by the deployment of Bt cotton.[60] The eradication program began elsewhere and was extended to the California Cotton Belt in 2007.[61] Dennehy et al., 2011 find bollworm remained 100% susceptible to Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab2 through 2005 here and in Arizona.[62]
Pyrethrins are commonly used in this crop.[63]
Deynze et al., 2005 performs the first gene flow analysis in California cotton.[64] Deynze finds pollinators are responsible for almost 100%.[64][65]
Lacewings[66] and whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci)[67] are common pests of this crop.
G. barbadense is grown in a small part of the country including the southern part of this state.[68]
Delia platura is a common seed predator of this crop.[69]
Limonius spp. are pests of germination and seedling stage.[70]
Frankliniella occidentalis is rarely a pest.[71] F. occidentalis are mostly a bioinsecticide of mites.[71]
Lygus hesperus is often confused for other species including some beneficial insects.[72]
Spodoptera praefica is a late season pest and rarely an early season pest.[73]
Blapstinus spp. affect seedlings.[74]
Empoasca fabae is the most common leafhopper in the San Joaquin Valley.[75]
Euschistus servus damages bolls.[76]
Spodoptera exigua is a pest of seedlings, young plants, squares and early bolls.[77]
Caliothrips fasciatus is a pest of the mature plant.[78]
The larvae of § Heliothis virescens are pests of bolls and squares.[79]
Gryllus spp. are pests of the ealy stages.[59]
Cucumbers
From 1997–2000,[80] the state's acreage varied between 10,500–11,000 acres (4,200–4,500 ha) bringing in $57,969,000–$67,744,000. By 2021[15] however the harvest was down to 1,038,500 short hundredweight (47,110 t; 51,920 short tons) from 6,700 acres (2,700 ha) for a yield of 155 short hundredweight per acre (17.4 t/ha; 7.8 short ton/acre), and at $23.2 per short hundredweight ($510/t; $464/short ton) that brought only $24,043,000.
Dairy
Dates
Over 90% of US production is grown here, and most of that in the Coachella Valley.[83] The distant second is Arizona.[83] The 2020 harvest was 49,300 short tons (44,700 t) from 12,500 acres (5,100 ha), for a yield of 3.94 short tons per acre (8.8 t/ha).[83] The year's crop sold for $114 million, an average of $2,320 per short ton ($2,557/t).[83] The harvest extends from the beginning of October to the middle of December.[84]
The detection of the Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) in 2010 was very concerning to this valuable industry.[85][86] See § Red Palm Weevil.
Figs
Calimyrna is a common cultivar here.[87][88]
Commodity figs here suffer from many insect pests here. See § Carpenter worm, § Darkling ground beetle, § Dried fruit beetle, § Freeman sap beetle, § Confused sap beetle, § Fig beetle, § Fig mite, § Fig scale, and § Navel orangeworm.
For common diseases see § Fig Smut and § Alternaria Rot of Fig.
Fish and shellfish
Relative to traditional farming, aquaculture is a small part of California's agricultural economy, generating only $175 million in 2014.[89] Oysters, abalone, mussels, channel catfish, rainbow trout, and salmon are farmed commercially.[90]
Grains
Stripe rust is a continuous presence in the state.[19] It is believed to have arrived in or before the 1770s because newspapers reported it starting then, and because there is a greater presence today of stripe than leaf or stem.[19]: 3 See § Stripe Rust.
Grapes
The 2020 table grape harvest was worth $2.12 billion[91] while wine grapes brought in $1.7 billion, down 15.3% year-on-year. By weight this was 17% lower versus 2018.[92] The next year, 2021[15] saw a much better yield. From 829,000 acres (335,000 ha) viniculturists got 6.94 short tons per acre (15.6 t/ha) for a total harvest of 5,755,000 short tons (5,221,000 t).[15] At an average of $909 per short ton ($1,002/t) they were paid $5,229,902,000 for the season.[15] Of that, 4,844,600 short tons (4,394,900 t) were for destined for processing industries (including wine, see § Wine below) and at $835 per short ton ($920/t) that was worth $4,046,382,000.[15] The fresh (table grape) harvest was 910,400 short tons (825,900 t) and selling at a price of $1,300 per short ton ($1,433/t), this sector was worth $1,183,520,000 for the season.[15]
The table grape and wine grape sectors are represented by the Table Grape Commission[93] and the California Association of Winegrape Growers.[94]
Table production is most concentrated in three counties and somewhat in another two.[95] Dollar value annually is $1,240 million in Kern, $682 in Tulare, $416 in Fresno, and in the top ten crops in Riverside and Madera.[95] California's own consumption of table production grew from 1980 to 2001 from 1.8 to 3.5 kilograms (4.0 to 7.7 lb) per capita per year.[96] Consumption here and throughout the country is so high that the country remains a net importer despite this state's production, which reached 71,000 short tons (64,000 t) in the 2015 table harvest.[96]
During dormancy, UC IPM recommends pruning.[97] UC IPM publishes recommendations for this and other tasks during dormancy.[97] Although thinning is often proven to improve wine qualities in many areas, some reviewers note a lack of benefit in thinning table grapes in this state's vineyards.[98]
Deyett et al., 2020 finds Proteobacteria are the most common components of the microbiomes of this crop in this state's soils.[99]
This crop has also played a large part in farm labor relations in the state.[100]: 371 The Delano grape strike began among table grape workers before spreading to other industries.[100]: 371 See § Labor.
Diseases of grape
Disease information is provided by UC IPM.[101]
Xylella fastidiosa was first discovered here in 1892 when Newton B. Pierce found Pierce's Disease in Los Angeles.[102] Today it costs the state an estimated $100m per year.[103] Because Vitis species native to the USA are tolerant to PD while the introduced European V. vinifera is very susceptible, Hewitt 1958 posited the Gulf Coastal Plain as the center of origin for the pathogen.[104]: 97 However Nunney et al., 2010 demonstrates that the PD population of the USA is originally in Central America.[104]: 97 Sisterson et al. 2020[105] finds that the southern San Joaquin Valley rarely has any X. fastidiosa prior to July. This suggests an entirely Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter vectored problem that has no (or very little) overwintering capacity.[103] Consistent with this they also found that neonicotinoid applications tended to reduce PD incidence.[103] See also § Pierce's Disease, § Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter and for a treatment see § Ozone.
Al Rwahnih et al., 2015 finds widespread Grapevine red blotch-associated virus (GRBaV) among raisin and table accessions of propagation material in California.[106] The virus population here has an unusually low amount of genetic diversity.[106] Although not known outside of North America, Al Rwahnih et al. does find this virus in California material originating outside North America.[106] See § Red Blotch Disease of Grapevine.[107]
UCD's FPS performs disease testing, vinestock identification testing, and supplies vinestock.[108][109] FPS is one of the few National Clean Plant Network (NCPN) members holding vinestock for grapes in the country.[108] See also § Foundation Plant Services.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has a good opinion of the state's phytosanitary certification system.[110] As a result, CFIA's Plant Protection Division has approved California plant material for import.[110][111]: Appendix 5
Hoffman et al., 2011 surveys the Lodi AVA and finds that growers themselves (including those who also work as educators for other growers) are most central to the spread of management information.[112] Those who are not themselves growers, but are full time educators, are less connected to the actual spread of information.[112][113]
Powdery Mildew (Uncinula necator) is another costly disease here.[107][114][115] PM cost the industry $239 million in 2015, including losses and treatment costs, according to the estimate of Sambucci et al., 2019.[114] For decades both the programs of USDA ARS and SunWorld have prioritized breeding for resistance to this disease.[115]
Afflictions in grapevine around the world are often treated by removal and replanting, and this is often used in this state's industry.[116] Regrowth is slow and replant disease often results from this.[116] Westphal et al., 2002 finds that regrowth is hampered by the soil microbiome in California's soils.[116] They apply a supplemental plant growth-promiting rhizobacteria (PGPR) treatment using arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and achieve quicker productivity recovery.[116] This is one of the few studies in this technique and this area is understudied.[116]
It is speculated that drought stress will increase fungal pathogen geographic range in the future around the world, but in this state this has already been observed.[117]
Although famous for its devastation of strawberry gray mold affects table grape as well.[118] Karabulut et al., 2003 finds it is an especially large part of post-harvest losses.[118] They also describe common treatments and make recommendations.[118] See § Gray mold and for a treatment see § Ozone.
Grapevine Trunk Diseases are common in California.[119] They are not caused by any one pathogen but are united by their similar symptomology in this part of the grape plant.[119]
Botryosphaeria Grape Trunk Dieback diseases are common trunk diseases.[120] In the southern parts of the state, a Botryosphaeria Dieback caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae is almost always the only trunk disease in this crop.[120]
Eutypa dieback is another common trunk dieback here, caused by Eutypa lata.[121] It was first found here by English et al., 1962 a few years after its discovery elsewhere.[121] Travadon et al., 2011 finds that E. lata is an entirely or almost entirely sexual population here but asexual reproduction may be a rare occurrence.[122] E. lata populations in California are shared between three hosts, this one, apricot and willow (Salix spp.).[123] Travadon et al. 2015 finds high gene flow and an absence of differentiating alleles between populations on these hosts.[123] (See also § Apricot.) Additionally they find no differentiation by geography.[123]
Xiphinema index (the California Dagger Nematode, or just Dagger Nematode) is a common disease here.[124] Although first discovered in this state it has spread throughout the world's vineyards.[124]
Esca (Measles, Spanish Measles, Black Measles) is a basidiomycete disease caused by several species of the Fomitiporia.[119] It is a common cause of economic loss in the state.[119] Vasquez 2007 assessed losses $2,000 to $3,000 per hectare ($810 to $1,210/acre) for all afflictions called "Esca" in the state's vineyards.[119]
Grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV) was imported in infected 'Touriga National' in 1981 and maintained at UCD, but no epidemic has ever been documented from that contamination.[125] The California epidemic began decades later.[125] Al Rwahnih 2018 documents an active epidemic in the Napa Valley AVA and finds wide variation in occurrence per variety, from 8.7 to 100%.[125]
Pests of grape
For insect pests see § Glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS)[126] and § Blue-Green Sharpshooter (BGSS).
The arrival of the European Grapevine Moth (EGVM) in Napa County in 2009 brought together local, state and federal agricultural officials, scientists in California universities, and the wine, table and raisin industries.[127] Together they brought about an eradication by 2015 and the effort was declared a success in August 2016.[127]: 582 [128] There is ongoing concern that it will invade again.[129] Gutierrez et al., 2012 finds that climate change has increased its potential invasive range on this crop in the time since its eradication, and will continue to do so.[129]: 81–122 See § European Grapevine Moth.
Some vertebrate pests are also significant and UC IPM has management recommendations[130] for them:
- Birds
- California Ground Squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi)
- Deer
- Pocket Gophers
- Rabbits
- Voles,
- especially the California Vole (Microtus californicus)
- Meadow Voles (Microtus drummondii)
- Meadow Mice (Microtus pennsylvanicus)
Delayed-dormancy in table grape varieties is February in the San Joaquin Valley and December to January in the Coachella Valley.[131] UC IPM provides sampling techniques[132] and management information[131] for delayed-dormancy in table grape.
Budbreak is in March in the SJV and January to February in the Coachella Valley for common table varieties.[133] UC IPM provides monitoring and treatment information for budbreak.[133]
The rapid shoot growth phase is March to May in the San Joaquin Valley and February to May in the Coachella Valley.[134] UC IPM recommends looking for spider mites and their natural enemies at this time.[134] See § Spider mites.
During postharvest in the SJV, table grape growers should monitor for European Fruit Lecanium Scale (Parthenolecanium corni).[135] UC IPM provides information on this and other pests of postharvest in table grape.[135] They recommend some parasitoids for biological controll including Aphytis spp., Coccophagus spp., Encarsia spp., and Metaphycus luteolus.[136]
Its anticipated damage to this crop was one of the major reasons for the passage of the LBAM Act of 2007.[137] Despite expectations, this crop was not sufficiently impacted to justify the cost and controversy involved and the action is regarded as a failure.[137] See § Light Brown Apple Moth.
The Western Grapeleaf Skeletonizer (Harrisina metallica, syn. H. brillians) is a native pest of this crop.[138][139] The parasitoids Ametadoria misella and Apanteles harrisinae were imported in the 1950s but without success.[139] However A. misella was found in the 1990s to be a vector of a granulovirus of this pest.[139] WGS is multivoline, trivoltine in the Central Valley and bivoltine on the coasts because temperatures are lower.[138]
The Vine Mealybug (Planococcus ficus) (Signoret (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae)) is a pest introduced in the early 1990s.[140]: 115 [141] It has spread quickly, impacting vine culture due to its phloem-feeding habit and because it is a vector of GLRaV.[141] See also § GLRaV.
Thrips are a minor concern in wine and raisin but are significant pests in table varieties.[142] This includes Grape Thrips (Drepanothrips reuteri) and Western Flower Thrips.[142] The scarring that they cause defaces the appearance of table grapes.[142] Grape Thrips in Salvador is especially problematic.[142] See § Western Flower Thrips.
Five species of ant are significant in this crop: Argentine Ants (Linepithema humile), Gray Ants (Formica aerata, Formica perpilosa), Pavement Ant (Tetramorium caespitum), Southern Fire Ant (Solenopsis xyloni) and Thief Ant (Solenopsis molesta).[143]
The Black Vine Weevil is mostly a pest of the Central Coast AVA but does rarely occur elsewhere.[144] Treatment is possible but is usually not employed.[144] See § Black Vine Weevil.
Orange Tortrix (Argyrotaenia franciscana) is a native pest of this crop.[145] It is endemic to this state and Oregon and Washington.[145] UC IPM recommends restricting use of insecticides to control Orange Tortrix because many natural biological controls are present in the state.[145]
Pseudococcus mealybugs are common pests in California's vineyards.[146] They have become an increasing problem in the first half of the 2010s.[146] Three species are present: Grape Mealybug (P. maritimus), Longtailed Mealybug (P. longispinus) and Obscure Mealybug (P. viburni).[146]
Phylloxera of Grape is a common aphid in California with multiple subpopulations derived from multiple foreign points of origin producing multiple invasions.[147] The rootstock AxR#1 was formerly used due to its resistance but this has since collapsed and been replaced by other rootstocks.[147] This phylloxera has since that time adapted to these various rootstocks.[147] Corrie et al., 2002, Lin et al., 2006, Vorwerk & Forneck, 2006 develop microsatellite markers to track these multiple invasions and their adaptation.[147] See § Phylloxera of Grape and § AxR#1.
Breeding of grape
This state has the largest breeding program for table grape in the country.[148] The next largest is at the University of Arkansas, and that was started in part from varieties developed here.[148] Many widely used table varieties have been developed here, such as 'Perlette' and 'Red Globe' from Harold Olmo at UCD, and the 'Flame Seedless' in 1973 and 'Fantasy Seedless' in 1994 by the USDA program in Fresno.[149]: 237
Although there is some resistance to Pierce's Disease in some Vitis vinifera varieties, none is immune – none will be productive and all will die.[150][151] The Walker group at UC Davis has discovered several monogenic and polygenic PD resistances in several other Vitis spp.[151] A few years later in December 2019, their Camminare Noir, Paseante Noir, Errante Noir, Ambulo Blanc, and Caminante Blanc were plant patented and released for licensing.[152]
AxR#1 was a very popular rootstock here until the 1980s[153]: 24–25 for its protection against grape phylloxera. Since the collapse of AxR#1's phylloxera resistance it has been replaced by a wide diversity of rootstocks.[147] See also § Phylloxera of Grape.
Fuller et al., 2014 finds Powdery Mildew resistance in grape (Erysiphe necator) is so valuable in the state's AVAs and the technique of blending has so improved that PM-resistant type are becoming increasingly adopted, despite their history of consumer rejection due to off flavors.[154] Riaz et al., 2011 finds 2 major PM resistance loci on chromosome 18 in many of California's grape strains, Run2.2 and Ren4.[155] Ramming et al., 2011 find that in the San Joaquin Valley's table/E. necator and raisin/E. necator pathosystems almost all resistance is explained by Ren4.[156] Fuller et al. 2014 also find that widespread adoption of such varieties would save growers as much as $48 million/year in California's Crimson Seedless table, raisin and Central Coast Chardonnay vineyards alone.[157]
Table and raisin production are associated with higher temperature areas of the state.[158]
The San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center is located in Parlier.[159] SJVASC produces varieties of table and raisin, including the Thomcord.[160] Many of the state's table and raisin varieties have been produced using embryo rescue.[161] The Ramming group in Parlier has been the source of many of these varieties since the 1980s.[161] Their work includes incorporating wild North American V. arizonica and V. candicans into seedless raisin and table varieties.[162][161]
UCD ceased releasing wine varieties in the 1980s.[163] Then in 2019 they released 5 with high PD resistance to combat a problem which costs California grape growers over $100 million per year.[163] This breeding program did not end with the release of these 5 and additional varieties continue to be released.[163]
Intensive selective breeding has been ongoing in California since the 1950s for seedlessness in raisin and table.[164]: 303 Much of the world's seedless varieties originate in this state's breeding efforts.[164]: 303
Aradhya et al., 2003 finds that California's accessions of germplasm originates from a single original gene pool.[165] Aradhya finds that from this original gene pool there has been very active selective breeding primarily by cuttings.[165]
Riaz et al., 2009 introgress PD resistance from into some of the state's susceptible varieties, and provide SSR markers for them.[166] They introgressed 2 resistance alleles from V. arizonica that V. vinifera does not have.[166] Accessions F8909-17 and F8909-08 are the sources of PdR1a and PdR1b respectively.[166] Riaz also provide markers for marker-assisted breeding with these alleles.[166]
Bowers et al., 1999 develops some of the foundational microsatellite markers for breeding of California Pinot noirs and Cabernet Sauvignons.[167]
This et al., 2004 produces a set of standard references for molecular breeding of varieties used here.[168] This develops a standard of microsatellites for California's most common vinestock and rootstock varieties to aid identification in breeding programs.[168][157]
Roger's Red is an ornamental grape selected from a wild vine near Healdsburg.[169] Initially the discoverer – Raiche of the University of California Botanical Garden Native Plant Collection – designated it a color variant of the native V. californica.[169] This was doubted by many nurseries however and Dangl et al., 2010 finds it is a hybrid of V. californica × V. vinifera cv. Alicante Bouschet.[169]
Vignani et al. 1996 demonstrates that several cultivars long grown in California, and thought to be local innovations, are instead clones of several Italian varieties.[170]
Petite Sirah is a popular variety in this state.[171] Meredith et al., 1999 determines that almost all California Petite Sirah is genetically identical to Durif.[171]
Table and raisin varieties used here come from a very narrow base.[172] Genetic testing by Bourisquot et al., 1995 find that because they are almost always seedless they are frequently directly derived from Kishmish.[172] Bourisquot also find that about 1/3 of the state's table and raisin varieties are not derived as their pedigrees state.[172]
Genetic engineering of grape
Up to around 2004 there was little understanding of what non-Vitis genes might provide immunity in grape, and would make good transgenes.[151] As of 2014[update] several candidate genes have been identified, several have been transferred, and some even produce immune factors that cross the graft union and so can be rootstock-only.[151] Proven transgenes include pPGIP (the polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein from Pyrus communis L. cv 'Bartlett', identified by Stotz et al.[173][174] at UCD) employed in a large number of transformations at several labs at UCD,[151] HNEsp-HNE-GSTA-cecropin B (a protein chimera of pGIP and cecropin B) and PGIPsp-HNE-GSTA-cecropin B (another cecropin B chimera) from Dandekar et al.[175] at UCD and Los Alamos,[151] HxfA from the Kirkpatrick lab at UCD,[151] an XfDSF catalyst (catalyzing the disease's synthesis of its diffusible signal factors) from Lindow et al. at UC Berkeley,[151] and programmed cell death inhibitors from the Gilchrist lab at UCD.[151] (See § Pierce's Disease.)
Treatments in grape
Zakowski & Mace 2022 finds heavy use of fungicides for cosmetic reasons in the state's table grape industry.[176] Pruning produces wounds which may admit pathogens into the trunk of the vine.[177] Brown et al., 2021 finds that pyraclostrobin continues to have good efficacy against populations in California.[177] See § Pyraclostrobin and § Fungicide.
The General Beale Pilot Project has been very successful since the early 2000s in monitoring and reducing the deadly disease and vector combination of PD and GWSS.[178] It is located in southeast Kern County and involves both trapping and roguing of infected vines.[178] The infestation in Kern has been managed well with a combination of symptomology, molecular surveillance and quantitative vector surveys.[179] The campaign in Kern is a good model for the whole world's efforts against this threat,[178][179] and for farmer funded voluntary management programs in general.[178] See § Pierce's Disease and § Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter.
Prior to the 2000s there were no selective insecticides available for the most important pests of table grape.[180] There was one – phosalone – which was banned in the state in 1988.[180] Since then baits made of carbaryl have been formulated which act selectively and are used for cutworm in table grape, and Bacillus thuringiensis is used selectively for Omnivorous Leafroller and Grape Leaffolder.[180]
Chlorpyrifos was a vital chemical for this crop until 2019 especially for the Vine Mealybug.[181] In 2019 the state Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) determined that it was necessary to withdraw virtually all chlorpyrifos registrations.[181] Since then this has imposed a negative economic impact on the industry both due to higher costs for substitute treatments and due to control failures.[181] See § Vine Mealybug.
Cover crops are used to produce several different kinds of pest and weed control.[182] Ground cover may enhance spider pest control of herbivorous insects.[182] Costello & Daane 1998 finds that ground cover in table grape increases Trachelas pacificus abundance but decreases Hololena nedra.[182] Over all they find that this method is of limited effectiveness in table vineyards.[182] UC IPM recommends considering the impact of a pesticide application on natural enemies and honey bees before applying to table vineyards.[183]
Crab shell chitosan reduces postharvest Gray Mold in table grape in Fresno county.[184] Romanazzi et al., 2009 tests table stock from several varieties commonly grown around Fresno and an isolate from USDA ARS in Parlier, Fresno county.[184] By dissolving the shell material in an acid they achieve control of postharvest Gray Mold by inducing a defense prior to the fungus's invasion.[184] Pichyangkuraa & Chadchawanb 2015 believe this to be applicable to viticulture around the world.[184]
Karabulut et al., 2003 finds that many postharvest pathogen isolates in California's vineyards are well controlled by a yeast, Metschnikowia fructicola, applied as a spray shortly before harvest.[185]
Research in grape
Table grape growers are charged an assessment statewide for research and treatment for PD and GWSS.[186] For the fiscal year 2009–2010 this contributed $735,000, almost all coming from the southern San Joaquin Valley.[186] See § Pierce's Disease, § Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter and § Treatments in grape.
California's oenological research is highly respected around the world.[187] This especially includes UC Davis's oenology programs.[187]
Lettuce
UCCE's Vegetable Research & Information Center provides comprehensive production advice for this crop.[188]
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is commercially grown in the Central Valley, Central Coast, and deserts (the Imperial and Coachella valleys).[189] It is one of the most labor-intensive crops in the state.[190]
Aphids are a major problem for lettuce on the Central Coast.[191] See § Nasonovia ribisnigri for an important aphid, and § Toxomerus marginatus and § Platycheirus stegnus for biocontrols.
The Beet Armyworm (BAW, Spodoptera exigua) is a polyphagous insect pest in this crop.[192] There is wide geographic variation in timing with BAW, the San Joaquin Valley being vulnerable more in fall than spring, the Central Coast late summer, and lower desert valleys September and October in established crops and November and December in young plants.[192] Natural control is significant, from parasitoids Hyposoter exiguae, Chelonus insularis, and Lespesia archippivora, and Spodoptera exigua nuclear polyhedrosis virus (SeNPV).[193][192] Discing as soon as possible after harvest and weed control to deny alternate hosts will help.[192] Insecticides used include methoxyfenozide, Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. aizawai, SeNPV, chlorantraniliprole, spinosad, indoxacarb, emamectin benzoate, methomyl, ζ-cypermethrin, and permethrin.[192] In organic, Bacillus thuringiensis and Entrust are used but note that any spinosad (including Entrust) will also harm the parasitoids.[192]
Melons
For a common pest see § Cotton Aphid.
Nectarines
Because nectarines are hairless peaches, for most information see § Peaches.
Cultivars of nectarine
UCANR recommends[194] cultivars for the state:
- August Fire
- Zee Fire
- September Bright
- Diamond Bright
- Spring Bright
- Arctic Pride
- Arctic Snow
- August Red
- Diamond Ray
- Honey Blaze
- Honey Royale
- Ruby Diamond
- Summer Bright
- Summer Fire
Oak
Oaks (genus Quercus) are cultivated for ornamental purposes and sometimes for acorns.[195] For a devastating disease see § Sudden Oak Death.
Okra
Okra is not produced in any significant amount here.[196] Imperial County grows the largest number of acres in the state.[196]
Oleander
Oleander (Nerium spp.) suffers from various Xylella fastidiosa diseases here and there is some question as to whether and to what degree it shares inoculum with other crops including food crops.[197] See § Xf of oleander.
Olives
Newton Pierce surveyed olive culture in the state and throughout the country for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1897.[198]
Olives throughout the state suffer from the introduced Olive Fruit Fly here.[199] Neofusicoccum mediterraneum, Diplodia mutila, and D. seriata cause significant disease here.[200] More specific controls than currently available are needed for N. mediterraneum in highly susceptible cultivars, namely Sevillano and Gordal, and early harvest may be needed for D. seriata.[200] See § Olive Fruit Fly, § Neofusicoccum mediterraneum, § Diplodia mutila, and § Diplodia seriata.
The Olive Oil Commission of California was founded in 2014 as an entity of the State of California. The commission was established as a result of a bill introduced by Lois Wolk.[201] The primary goal is to improve the sales of olive oil grown in California.[202]
Parsley
Soil solarization is an alternative to soil treatment with methyl bromide.[203] Stapleton et al., 2005 eliminate almost 100% of annual weeds in this crop with solarization alone.[203] It completely fails against yellow nutsedge however.[203]
Peaches
California is the country's largest grower of peaches, producing about 70% of the total.[204]
The California Freestone Peach Association (CFPA)[205] and California Canning Peach Association/California Cling Peach Board (CCPA)[205][206] represent the industry.[207] (Although the CFPA is a separate incorporation, it has always been operated by the CCPA's staff.) The overwhelming majority of the country's peaches are grown here, in 2020[update] 468,000 short tons (425,000 t) for sales of $308.3 million.[208] Since 1980 the total value of the harvest has been slightly increasing.[208] The acreage (hectares) planted in peach has been declining however, down to 73,000 acres (30,000 ha) as of 2020[update].[208]
As of 2021[update] cling deliveries for processing purposes have been on a downward trend for years.[209] From 430,000 short tons (390,000 t) in 2010, delivered tonnage declined to 225,000 short tons (204,000 t) in 2021.[209] Cling yield shows no clear trend over the same time, bouncing between 18.1 short tons per acre (41 t/ha) and 15.3 short tons per acre (34 t/ha).[209]
Prices have been trending mostly upward, from $317 per short ton ($349/t) in 2012 to $518 per short ton ($571/t).[209]
CCPA expects 2022 deliveries to be between 214,200–232,400 short tons (194,300–210,800 t) from a yield of 15.3–16.6 short tons per acre (34–37 t/ha).[209]
UCD hosts one of the major breeding programs in the country.[210] Most of the private breeding programs for peach in the country are found in California, with a significant amount of the public breeding also being performed here.[210]
Pear
Cultivation is heavily pesticide-dependent.[211] In the 1970s that put growers on the "pesticide treadmill" – increasing control costs, resistance, and resurgence of previously controlled adversaries.[211] In response the orchards, the UC system, and Sacramento have put together IPM plans which have increased control and decreased applications.[211] Fire Blight is a major concern as it is throughout the continent.[212] Fire Blight is so severe that it largely determines what areas may be commercially successful in pear and which may not, restricted to geographies inhospitable to epidemics.[212] Even so, antibacterials are necessary.[212] Experts believe that major efficacy loss or a regulatory ban would effectively end Bartlett cultivation here, 55% of the country's pears.[212] See § Fire Blight and for the most common treatment, § Streptomycin.
UCR provides integrated pest management best practices through UCANR.[213] Pear Psylla is one of the most serious of these pests, both due to its speed of insecticide resistance evolution and because it vectors[214] the pear decline phytoplasma.[215] The Asian pears P. serotina and P. ussuriensis have been widely used as rootstocks but are not being used in new plantings because their severe vulnerability to the decline phytoplasma.[215] The California Pear Sawfly (Pristiphora abbreviata, not to be confused with the Pear Slug Caliroa cerasi) is a minor pest here and usually easily controlled.[216] UC IPM recommends Entrust and Success (two Spinosad formulations).[216]
Integrated pest management (IPM) has a long history of successful use in this crop.[217]
Pistachios
Ferrisia gilli is an economically significant pest of pistachio here.[218] F. gilli was formerly known as a California population of F. virgata, only being studied sufficiently to recognize that it is distinguishable from F. virgata due to its severe impact on pistachio and almond in this state.[218] Jackrabbits, cottontails, and brush rabbits mostly damage pistachio trees when other food sources run out in winter or early spring.[219] UC IPM recommends fencing, tree guards, baiting, shooting, repellents, and trapping.[219]
Alternaria and Botryosphaeria dothidea are significant fungal diseases of pistachios here which often receive strobilurin, iprodione, azoxystrobin, and tebuconazole treatments.[220] See § Alternaria and § Botryosphaeria dothidea.
Plums
96% of the country's prunes and >70% of plums are grown here.[221] Of that, >80% has come from the Sacramento Valley since the 1960s.[221] For an invasive pest in the Bay Area, see § Plum Bud Gall Mite.[222]
Cultivars of plum
UCANR recommends[194] cultivars for the state:
- Howard Sun
- Santa Rosa
- Angeleno
- Friar
- Blackamber
- Flavor Fall
- Owen T
- Fortune
- Black Kat
- Black Splendor
- Black Diamond
- Black Beaut
- Flavorich
- Grand Rosa
- Simka
- Catalina
- Royal Diamond
Pome
Pomes grown here include § Apple and § Pear. For a common disease see § Fire Blight.
Pomegranates
In pomegranate (Punica granatum), Black Heart (or "Heart Rot") is one of the most common diseases, as it is around the world.[38]: 192 See § Black Heart.
Prunus
For Prunus spp. see § Stonefruit.
Raspberry
Over 80% of US raspberries (Rubus spp.) are grown here.[223] The country's consumption has increased eightfold between 2001 and 2021.[223] This crop is 15% of the state's fresh berry sales.[223] Acreage (number of hectares) before 2014 is unknown, but in that year 6,800 acres (2,800 ha) produced 1.4 million short hundredweight (64,000 t; 70,000 short tons) selling for $434 million, then the next year 9,700 acres (3,900 ha) produced 2 million short hundredweight (91,000 t; 100,000 short tons) worth $547 million, and in 2016 9,700 acres (3,900 ha) produced 2.1 million short hundredweight (95,000 metric tons; 100,000 short tons) for $358 million, worth more than the peach harvest and four times the pear harvest.[223] The state has the opportunity to capture much of the market because as of 2021[update] most of the raspberry (55%), blackberry, and blueberry market in the country is imported, with Mexico supplying 98% of imported raspberry and they have probably reached their limit.[223] California produces the most fresh market red raspberries, while Washington is highest for the processed market.[223] Because the recent expansion has taken acres that had been pasture, pest and disease pressure is very small – making organic an easy option.[223] The available acreage for that kind of conversion may have reached the limit as of 2021[update] however.[223] Pre-transplant soil fumigation is necessary in conventional, making organic inviable if this kind of new(-to caneberry) acreage is not available.[223] Driscoll's is the marketer of 90% of raspberries from California and Mexico sold into the US.[223]
Leaf Spot is not common here.[25] See § Leaf Spot of Raspberry, or for an easily confused disease which does not affect this crop, see § Leaf Spot of Caneberry.
Rice
By 2006, California produced the second-largest rice crop in the United States,[224] after Arkansas, with production concentrated in six counties north of Sacramento.[225]
California's production is dominated by short- and medium-grain japonica varieties, including cultivars developed for the local climate such as Calrose, which makes up as much as 85% of the state's crop.[226]
Small grains
UC ANR (University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources) has a program specifically for small grains.[227] UCANR provides pest management information and cultivation practices and organizes farmer education events.[227] The small grains grown here are primarily wheat, barley, oats, and triticale,[227] see § Barley and § Wheat. UC-IPM also produces publications specifically for pest management in these crops.[228]
Although small grains are not a large part of the overall agricultural productivity of the state, they are important enough in particular locations for ANR to have Extension workers especially for San Diego County,[229] Kings County,[229] San Joaquin County,[229] Siskiyou County,[229] Lassen County,[229] Sutter- and Yuba- and Colusa- Counties,[230][229] Davis,[229] Kern County,[229] Woodland, Yolo County,[229] Tulelake, Siskiyou,[229] Tulare,[229] and Sonoma.[231]
Golden State Grains is an industry initiative which also cooperates extensively with the University of California breeding programs.[232] GSG connects future farmers, present farmers, seed suppliers, processors, and consumers.[232]
See § Wild beet for a weed of these crops.
Stonefruit
Stonefruits are crops of the genus Prunus. For the largest harvests by weight see § Almond, § Apricot, § Cherry, § Peach, and § Plum.
Diseases of stonefruit
For common fungal diseases see § Monilinia fructicola, § Monilinia laxa, and for the fungicide see § Benzimidazole.[220]
UCD's FPS performs disease testing (especially for viruses), variety identification testing, and supplies budstock[233] and rootstock.[234][108] See also § Foundation Plant Services.
Breeding of stonefruit
So much of North America's stonefruit is grown here that almost all available propagation material is adapted to California specifically.[235] Few accessions are available which are appropriate anywhere else.[235] Even so, these are really made for the previous situation in the state, in which lower densities prevailed and dwarfing rootstocks were not used.[235] With increasing mechanization there is a need for such rootstocks.[235]
Pests of stonefruit
For a leaf gall pest see § Chokecherry Finger Gall Mite.[236]: 178
Strawberries
Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) in the United States are almost entirely grown in California – 86% of fresh and 98% of frozen in 2017[237] – with Florida a distant second.[238][239] The 2017 harvest was 1,461.2 thousand short tons (1,325.6 thousand metric tons) worth $3,100,215,000.[237] Of that 30.0% was from Monterey, 28.6% from Ventura, 20.0% from Santa Barbara, 10.0% from San Luis Obispo, and 9.2% from Santa Cruz.[237] The Watsonville/Salinas strawberry zone in Santa Cruz/Monterey, and the Oxnard zone in Ventura, contribute heavily to those concentrations.
Production has risen almost monotonically, from 2005 when 34,300 acres (13,900 ha) were harvested, yielding 600 short hundredweight per acre (67,000 kg/ha; 60,000 lb/acre), for a total yield of 20,580,000 short hundredweight (933,000 t; 1,029,000 short tons). The average price being $54.60 per short hundredweight ($1.204/kg; $0.5460/lb), the 2005 season's harvest sold for $1,122,834,000.[237]
The California Strawberry Commission is the Agriculture Department body which advocates for strawberry growers. The CSC provides information for both growers[240] and consumers.[238] Some towns have annual strawberry festivals, see Strawberry festival § United States. The Driscoll's company began with strawberries here and still grows and sells here, and they have since expanded to other states, countries, and types of berries.
Cal Poly runs the Strawberry Center[241] for both research, and producer education.
Labor costs have increased drastically since 2018 especially in this crop, see § Labor.
Timber
Almost 40% of the state is forest, 39.7 million acres (16.1 million hectares; 62,000 square miles; 161,000 square kilometres).[242] Of that 16.7 million acres (6.8 million hectares; 26,100 square miles; 68,000 square kilometres) was maintained as timberland as of 1996[update] of which about 77% is softwood.[242] Most lumber grown here is used here in the construction industry and some additional lumber is imported from nearby states and provinces.[242]
Tomatoes
Fresh market tomatoes
The Federal Risk Management Agency provides crop insurance for fresh market tomato here, through the regional office in Davis.[243] 90% of FMT here comes from nine counties, San Joaquin County, Merced, Fresno, San Diego, Kern, Stanislaus, Kings, Tulare, and Sacramento.[244] In 1999 44,000 acres (18,000 ha) were planted, yielding on average 12.5 short tons per acre (28 t/ha), for a gross dollar yield of $5,500 per acre ($14,000/ha).[244]
Tomatoes contribute a mean of 1.77 emissions pounds per acre (1.98 kg/ha) per year in Mediterranean agriculture systems.[10]
Varieties used here widely incorporate Meloidogyne resistance.[245]: 35
Walnuts
California walnuts account for nearly all the walnuts grown in the United States. In 2017, walnut production was the seventh most valuable agricultural commodity in California, valued at $1.59 billion in cash receipts.[246]
Walnuts contribute a mean of 1.34 pounds per acre (1.50 kg/ha) emissions per year in Mediterranean agriculture systems.[10]
Wheat
Wheat stripe rust is believed to have been present at or before the 1770s due to newspaper reports at the time, and due to the greater prevalence of stripe than leaf or stem.[19]: 3 Hungerford (1923) and Hungerford & Owens (1923) found stripe on wheat here and almost all other western states.[19]: 9
As first speculated by Tollenaar & Houston 1967,[247] in some years inoculum from the Sierra Nevadas initiates the state's epidemics.[19] Wheat sown in the fall (autumn) in the valleys suffers from stripe rust carried from wild grasses in the mountains.[19] This is not the only source however, as stripe will also overwinter in Sacramento Valley wheat cover.[19] See § Stripe Rust.
Wine
California wine production has a rich viticulture history since 1680 when Spanish Jesuit missionaries planted Vitis vinifera vines native to the Mediterranean region in their established missions to produce wine for religious services. In the 1770s, Spanish missionaries continued the practice under the direction of the Father Junípero Serra who planted California's first vineyard at Mission San Juan Capistrano.[248][249]
Its contemporary wine production grew steadily since the end of Prohibition, but mostly known for its sweet, port-style and jug wine products. As the market favored French brands, California's table wine business grew modestly,[250] but quickly gained international prominence at the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976, when renown French oenophiles, in a blind tasting, ranked the California wines higher than the primer French labels in the Chardonnay (white) and Cabernet Sauvignon (red) categories.[251] The result caused a ‘shock' in viticulture industry since France was regarded as foremost producer of the world's finest table wines. This revolutionary event attributed to expanding the recognition and prestige of vintners in the New World, specifically, the Golden State.[252]
The state produces about ninety percent of the American wine supply and is the fourth largest wine producer among the world's independent nations.[253][254] California has more than 4,200 wineries ranging from home-grown and small boutiques to large corporations with international distribution, and even more vineyards and growers, at close to 6,000.[253][255]Livestock
Fowl
The domestic fowl industry suffers from avian malaria.[256][257] Chickens (Gallus gallus/G. domesticus) and ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) are commonly infected, as well as various wild birds.[256] Testing has been done since the Herman group made the first reports of P. relictum infection, in Herman 1951, Herman et al., 1954, and Reeves et al., 1954.[256] (See § Avian malaria and § Plasmodium relictum for the parasite and vectors, and for testing.)
Honeybees
Honeybees (Apis mellifera) in and around Riverside developed DDT resistance in the 1950s.[41] Extensive use of DDT in citrus may have been responsible.[41] (See also § DDT, and § Citrus.)
Regions
Central Valley
The Central Valley of California is one of the world's most productive agricultural regions.[258] More than 230 crops are grown there.[258] On less than one percent of the total farmland in the United States, the Central Valley produces eight percent of the nation's agricultural output by value: US$43.5 billion in 2013.[259] The top four counties in agricultural sales (2007 data) in the U.S. are in California's Central Valley: Fresno ($3.731 billion), Tulare ($3.335 billion), Kern ($3.204 billion), and Merced ($2.330 billion).[260][261]
Its agricultural productivity relies on irrigation both from surface water diversions and from groundwater pumping (wells). About one-sixth of the irrigated land in the U.S. is in the Central Valley.[262] Central Valley groundwater pollution is an ongoing environmental issue in the area.
There are 6,000 almond growers who produced more than 1.8 million tonnes in 2013, about 60 percent of the world's supply.[263][264]
Parts of the Valley are quarantine as of July 2022[update] due to an ongoing pest eradication.[265][266] The Peach Fruit Fly was found in Chowchilla and this is a threat not only here, but could spread to the entire state, and to a lesser degree the entire country and other locations around the world.[265][266] See § Peach Fruit Fly.
Salinas Valley
The Salinas Valley, located within Monterey County, is one of the most productive agricultural regions in California. Monterey County grows over 50% of the national production for leaf lettuce, head lettuce, and celery. It also produces significant percentages of the country's broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, and strawberries.[267] The area is also a significant producer of organic produce, with 68,868 acres in cultivation and annual sales of $412,347,000.
Organic farming
California has more certified organic farms than any other state. In 2016, more than a million acres in the state were certified organic.[268] CA grows 90% or more of the U.S. production of Organic almonds, artichokes, avocados, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, dates, figs, grapes, strawberries, lemons, lettuce, plums, and walnuts.[269]
There are two primary laws that regulate organic production: at a federal level, the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 and at a state level, the California Organic Food and Farming Act of 2016. Both laws lay out standards for production, processing, handling and retailing that must be followed in order to label a product as "organic". The USDA, California Organic Products Advisory Committee, and the California County Agricultural Commissioners monitor and ensure these standards are followed by administering enforcement actions for any violations.[270]
Any agricultural operation selling more than $5,000 in products per year is required to acquire organic certification, if they seek to sell their products under the organic label. Multiple organizations are accredited to certify operations organic.[271]
Environmental and natural resources
Water use
The largest overall water users in California are the environment, agriculture and urban/ municipal uses.[2] In an average year, about 40% of California's water consumption, or approximately 34.1 million acre-foot (42,100 million cubic metres), is used for agricultural purposes. However, the exact proportion of total water usage for agriculture can vary widely between 'wet' and 'dry' years, where in wet years, agriculture is responsible for closer to 30% of total water consumption and in dry years, agriculture is responsible for closer to 60% of total water consumption.[2] Water for agriculture is used to irrigate more than 9 million acres (36,000 square kilometres) of cropland annually.[272]
Water for agriculture comes from two primary sources: surface water and groundwater. Surface waters include natural lakes, rivers, and streams, as well as large network of human-built reservoirs and a complex distribution system of aqueducts and canals that carry water from the location of the source to the agricultural users.[272] Groundwater aquifers range in depth and accessibility across the state, and historically have been used to supplement surface water supplies in dry years.[273]
California is one of the top five states in water use for livestock. Water withdrawals for livestock use in California were 101–250 million US gallons (380,000,000–950,000,000 L)/day in 2010.[274]
Saudi Arabian companies and individuals have bought land here and in Arizona to benefit from subsidized water.[275] This has produced criticism because the hay grown is exported to Saudi Arabia.[275]
Water quality
Agricultural impacts on water quality concentrate around concerns of the following contaminants: nutrients, pesticides, salts, pollutants, sediment, pathogens, and heavy metals.[276] These contaminants enter water bodies through above-ground surface runoff of rainwater or excess irrigation water, or percolating through the soil and leaching into groundwater. Water quality concerns affect most regions of the state and tend to be exacerbated during periods of drought.[277]
At present, all irrigated agricultural operations in the State are required to participate in the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program.[278] The regulatory program began after the California Legislature passed Senate Bill 390 (SB390) in 1990, that eliminated a blanket waiver for agricultural operations to discharge wastewater without any specific environmental standards.[279]
Water supply
A major source for Southern California's water supply, both agricultural and urban, is the Colorado River from which an aqueduct has been built to transport the water from the river to Riverside.[280] Colorado River irrigation is essential for agriculture to the Salton Sea Basin, which supports key agriculturally productive areas such as the Imperial Valley.[281] Another aspect of the agricultural water supply in California is the transfer of water that takes place from northern to southern California. In northern California, the Shasta Dam contains the flow of the Sacramento River, preserving water for California's use, and pumping stations in the California Delta extract water transferring that water across the San Joaquin Valley and southward.[282] A key component to the distribution of the water supply are the irrigation districts and water agencies who are responsible for delegating water as to meet the demand of those within the area as well as clarify and legal arbitration as to water rights.[283]
The agency tasked with overseeing the state's water supply and any projects associated with the upkeep of the supply is the California Department of Water Resources (CDWR).[284] As part of the 2019-2020 California Spending Plan, the CDWR received $2.336 billion with $833 million going towards projects overseen by the California Natural Resources Agency and $1.503 billion going towards the control board supervised by the California Environmental Protection Agency.[285] One of the CDWR's major projects is the State Water Project (SWP) which distributes 34% of the water that flows through its various channels.[286] The SWP also is one of the largest suppliers of hydroelectric power in the state.[286]
The invasive quagga- and zebra-mussels reached the state in about 2006 and threaten the already limited supply of farm water.[287] The mussels have continued to spread and present an ever-expanding threat to pipelines.[288]
Air pollution
In 2014, California agriculture soils contributed to 51% of statewide greenhouse gas emissions.[10] California's Mediterranean climate supports irrigation events such as nitrification which encourage nitrous oxide production. Mean nitrous oxide emissions (the biggest contributor to ozone depletion of all the major agricultural greenhouse gases) have been reported to be "four times higher in irrigated compared to rain-fed systems".[10] Another factor which frequently contributes to increased emissions are warm soil temperatures (a common occurrence in California).[10]
History
Pre-1850
Peake & Fleure 1927 propose that many crop wild relatives and a climate with both a rainy season and a dry season are necessary for an area to become a center of agriculture.[289]: 8 Before human arrival a wide variety of crop wild relatives (CWRs) were already found here – and although most of land has a monotonously desert or near-desert rain supply – some has a climate type called Mediterranean.[289]: 8
Since initial contact between Europeans and Indigenous American peoples, the topic of Native American agriculture has been debated. While agriculture in pre-contact California certainly did not fit into the Western definition of agriculture, the keen stewardship of California's natural ecosystem by Indigenous Californians to achieve the best possible output of resources is "agricultural," with California's ecosystems acting as a large, unbounded agricultural site.[290][291] Because of this difference in ideology, agricultural practices in pre-contact California often took a different form than those of Europe.
Some California hunter-gatherer tribes, including the Owens Valley Paiute, developed irrigation.[292] Native Californians were skilled at gathering materials from plants at all times of the year, allowing the consistent gathering of materials from any and all local plants. Depending on when various plants—including succulents, flowers, and trees—bloomed or became ripe, different aspects of the plant could be accessed or harvested by Native California peoples.[293]
Native Californians also developed strategies when it came to competing with animals for resources. The Kashaya Pomo, for example, timed their harvest of dogwood to be before insects and worms would be able to access the inner parts of the plant.[293] Indigenous Californians also developed strategies for acquiring black oak acorns directly from tree branches using a long pole, increasing harvest yields that would otherwise have been disturbed by animals.[293]
Black oak acorn harvests were further increased by cultural burning, which stimulated acorn growth and increased biodiversity in the area.[294] Cultural burning was commonly practiced by throughout California to maintain a healthy landscape that produced quality resources, as the Karuk, Yurok, Hupa peoples all regularly burned areas of bear grass and California hazelnut and to encourage the growth of stronger stems that could be used for basketry.[295][296]
In the late 1700s, Franciscan missionaries established Spanish missions in California. Like earlier Spanish missions established in Baja California, these missions were surrounded by agricultural land, growing crops from Europe and the Americas, and raising animals originating from Europe. Indigenous workers from Baja California made up a large part of the initial labor force on California missions.[297] In the early 1800s, this flow of laborers from Baja California had largely stopped, and the missions relied on converts from local tribes. By 1806, over 20,000 Mission Indians were "attached" to the California missions. As missions were expected to become largely self-sufficient, farming was a critically important Mission industry. George Vancouver visited Mission San Buenaventura in 1793 and noted the wide variety of crops grown: apples, pears, plums, figs, oranges, grapes, peaches, pomegranates, plantain, banana, coconut, sugar cane, indigo, various herbs, and prickly pear.[298] Livestock was raised for meat, wool, leather, and tallow, and for cultivating the land. In 1832, at the height of their prosperity, the missions collectively owned over 150,000 cattle and over 120,000 sheep. They also raised horses, goats, and pigs.[299]
While the Spanish were the most successful farmers active in California in the early 1800s, they were not the only ones. In 1812, the Russians established Fort Ross in what is now Sonoma County, California, and intended the fort in part as an agricultural supply point for other Russian activity on the west coast. Despite Russian plans for the colony, agriculture at Fort Ross had low yields, significantly lower than the California missions. Inefficient farming methods, labour shortages, coastal fog, and rodents all contributed to limit agriculture at the fort.[300]
The Spanish (1784–1810) and Mexican (1819–1846) governments made a large number of land grants to private individuals from 1785 to 1846. These ranchos included land taken from the missions following government-imposed secularization in 1833, after which the missions' productivity declined significantly. The ranchos were focused on cattle, and hides and tallow were their main products. There was no market for large quantities of beef (before refrigeration and railroads) until the California Gold Rush.
1850–1900
In 1848, before the Gold Rush, the population of CA was approximately 15,000, not counting Native Americans. By 1852, there were over 250,000 people in the state.[301] and by 1870, 560,000 people.[302] This rapid population growth drove an increase in importation of agricultural products, and, within a few years, a massive growth in in-state agriculture. In the first years of the gold rush, the state relied on agricultural imports arriving by ship, from Australia, Chile, and Hawaii. During these years, there was rapid growth in vegetable farming for local markets. This was followed by an expansion of grain farming.[301] A shift in the economic dominance of grain farming over cattle raising was marked by the passage of the California "No-Fence Law" of 1874. This repealed the Trespass Act of 1850, which had required farmers to protect their planted fields from free-ranging cattle. The repeal of the Trespass Act required that ranchers fence stock in, rather than farmers fencing cattle out. The ranchers were faced with either the high expense of fencing large grazing tracts or selling their cattle at ruinous prices.[303][304] By the 1890s, California was second in US wheat production, producing over one million tons of wheat per year,[301] but monocrop wheat farming had depleted the soil in some areas resulting in reduced crops.[305]
Irrigation was almost nonexistent in California in 1850, but by 1899, 12 percent of the state's improved farmland was irrigated.[305]
Luther Burbank moved to Santa Rosa, California in 1875, and developed numerous commercially successful varieties of plants over the next 50 years.
1900–1950
The 1902 Newlands Reclamation Act funded irrigation projects on arid lands in 20 states including California.
In 1905, the California legislature passed the University Farm Bill, which called for the establishment of a farm school for the University of California (at the time, Berkeley was the sole campus of the university).[306] The commission took a year to select a site for the campus, a tiny town then known as Davisville.[306] UC Davis opened its doors as the "University Farm" to 40 degree students (all male) from UC Berkeley in January 1909.
In 1919, the California Department of Food and Agriculture was established. The department covers state food safety, state protection from invasive species, and promoting the state's agricultural industry.
The Dust Bowl of the 1930s drove many people from the American prairie, and a significant number of these economic migrants relocated to California. Poor migrants from Oklahoma and nearby states were sometimes referred to as Okies, generally a pejorative term. In 1933, the state saw a number of agricultural labor strikes, with the largest actions against cotton growers. Cherry, grape, peach, pear, sugar beet, and tomato workers were also involved.
In 1942, the United States began the Bracero program. Lasting until 1964, this agreement established decent living conditions and a minimum wage for Mexican workers in the United States.
1950–2000
In 1965, the Williamson Act became law, providing property tax relief to owners of California farmland and open-space land in exchange for agreement that the land will not be developed.
The 1960s and 1970s saw major farm worker strikes including the 1965 Delano grape strike and the 1970 Salad Bowl strike. In 1975, the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975 was enacted,[307] establishing the right to collective bargaining for farmworkers in California, a first in U.S. history.[308] Individuals with prominent roles in farm worker organizing in this period include Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, Larry Itliong, and Philip Vera Cruz.
In the late 1980s the Ives flower ranch was the site of a notorious employment case.[309] This ranch was in Ventura and involved Mixtec farm workers (from the Oaxaca state of southern Mexico) and illegal employment conditions.[309] The ranch paid $1.5 million in unpaid wages and fines.[309]
Through 1995 there were 50,000 Mixtecs every year in California agriculture.[309] They were about 70% of the 10,000 agricultural laborers in San Diego County, and had been spreading northwards to also work in Oxnard, Santa Maria and Madera County, and even into Oregon and Washington.[309] They were usually not the only indigenous Mexican ethnic groups – Zapotecs and Mayans were also usually working the same jobs.[309] In the 1990s it was common to arrive in Arizona first, work on an Arizonan farm, and then move here.[309]
2001–present
In the 2000s and 2010s, Californians voted for propositions which established new protections for farm animals. 2008 California Proposition 2 and 2018 California Proposition 12 both established minimum requirements for farming egg-laying hens, breeding pigs, and calves raised for veal. Few veal and pig factory farm operations exist in California, so these propositions mostly affect farmers who raise California's 15 million egg-laying hens.[310]
Agricultural crime
California nut crimes have involved the theft of millions of dollars of nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews and pecans) in multiple incidents since 2013.[311][312]
Water theft for agriculture has been an issue in times of drought, with the State assessing fines up to $1.5 million.[313][314]
Pests
Despite its expansive geography, some pests are so severe, so polyphagous, and/or so wide-ranging as to be economically significant to the entire state.
The Navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella) first entered from Arizona in 1942 and quickly began attacking walnut, date palm, and fig – despite its common name it is only a minor pest of citrus.[315] (See § Walnuts, § Dates, and § Figs. In the decades since it has become a notorious pest of almond, pistachio,[315][87] and pomegranate and remains problematic for walnut[87] and fig[87][88] as well.[87] (See § Almonds, § Pistachios, and § Pomegranates.) First flight of NOW begins around April 17 and ends around May 29, and third flight is about August 8 to September 12.[87][88] Second flight is not as much of a concern.[87][88]
The light brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana, often abbreviated to LBAM) is a leafroller moth belonging to the lepidopteran family Tortricidae.[316] Despite its common name it is a pest of a wide range of crops, not just apples,[316][137] see § Apple, § Grape, and others. The moth was confirmed to be present in California in 2007, and spraying programs in 2007–2008 lead to the Light brown apple moth controversy.[316][317]: 233 Tavener et al., 2011 finds novaluron works well but only when carried by horticultural mineral oil.[318]: 56 [319] Hosts include strawberry.[320]
Asian citrus psyllids (Diaphorina citri) are a major invasive threat to citrus.[39][40] (See § Citrus.)
Sellers et al., 2018 finds rodents and lagomorphs (jackrabbits, hares, other rabbits) do not seem to be a pest of walnut orchards here (see § Walnuts).[321] On the other hand, jackrabbits, cottontails, and brush rabbits certainly are a problem for pistachios (see § Pistachios).[219] The lagomorph biocontrol myxoma virus is indigenous here (that is, it is epidemiologically endemic) in native lagomorphs.[322] This was first disclosed in Marshall & Regnery 1960 a&b.[322] M & R found it in the tapeti (Sylvilagus brasiliensis) and the brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani).[322]
Olives throughout the state suffer from the introduced Olive Fruit Fly (Bactrocera oleae) here.[199] First detected outside its traditional Old World co-occurrence with the host tree in Los Angeles County in November 1998, it has since spread throughout California and into Baja and Sonora.[199][127]: 168 OFF is native to the Mediterranean basin and appears in some of the earliest written documents of human history, and is now found throughout much of the world.[323]
Particular strains of OFF are associated with particular varieties here.[323] Burrack & Zalom 2008 find females have strong oviposition preferences for particular varieties and their offspring show better life history performance on those preferred varieties.[323] The introduction here has spurred much parasitoid research, hoping to control them with biological controls.[323] Daane et al., 2008, Sime et al., 2006, Sime et al., 2007, Yokohama et al., 2006, and Yokohama et al., 2008 all were undertaken to serve this state's need for parasitoids.[323] Yokohama et al., 2008 achieves 60% control in cage trials using a Psyttalia cf. concolor.[323] Daane et al., 2008 finds P. lounsburyi is especially specific to OFF over other possible hosts, and its selectivity makes it an attractive option.[323] Daane et al. 2009 discloses an undescribed Pteromalus sp. nr. myopitae first found here.[323] Overall there is much concern about offtarget impacts if these were to be released.[323]
Aphid are common crop pests here. Nasonovia ribisnigri is one of the most common, especially for lettuce.[191] See also § Lettuce, and § Toxomerus marginatus and § Platycheirus stegnus for the two most common biocontrols.
Birds are often pests in fruit cultivation here, especially in cherries.[36][37] In cherry orchards the most common are crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), crowned sparrows: (Zonotrichia spp.), European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus), house sparrows (Passer domesticus), scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica), and Yellow-billed magpies (Pica nuttalli), but also in apple, blueberry, and grape, and the American Robin is a problem for some of these.[37] See also § Methyl anthranilate for a repellent.
The Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (GWSS, Homalodisca vitripennis, syn. H. coagulata) is a vector of Pierce's Disease and other Xylella fastidiosa diseases here.[324][126][325][326] Probably present since the late 1980s, the GWSS was only confirmed here in 1994.[325] GWSS was not obviously a threat until August 1999 when it vectored PD to over 300 acres (120 ha) of vineyard in Temecula, Riverside County, forcing its destruction.[325] GWSS was first detected in Solano in November 2021, and although as of July 2022[update] absent from adjascent Napa is considered a high risk for introduction.[327] The staff of the Napa County Agriculture Commissioner does inspections of all material entering the county to prevent that from happening.[327] GWSS is such a problem in Fresno that there are permanent quarantine, monitoring, and eradication activities there.[328]
In 1997 the Blue-Green Sharpshooter (BGSS, Graphocephala atropunctata, the primary PD vector) arrived here and the two have combined badly ever since.[329] Besides vectoring PD they are also themselves a sucking pest and Hewitt et al., 1949 found they will often additionally go through reproduction on the vines.[150] See § Pierce's Disease, § Grapes, and § Xf in stonefruit.
The European Grapevine Moth (Lobesia botrana, EGVM) was present from at least 2009 through 2014.[128] A 10 acres (4.0 ha) block in Napa suffered a 100% crop loss in 2009 due to a burrowing worm.[128] This was confirmed to be the EGVM by Gilligan et al., on September 30, 2009 (published in 2011).[128] (It is native to southern Italy and may have arrived elsewhere in the state, possibly being detected as early as 2007 by Mastro et al., and published in 2010).[128] Both USDA and CDFA impose quarantines if two moths are found within 3 miles (4.8 km) of each other within one lifecycle span.[128] At first the quarantine zone was 5 miles (8.0 km) around the detection sites.[128] In 2010, 40,000 traps revealed an expanded presence – in Fresno, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, and Sonoma.[128] The first detection in Sonoma was around Kenwood on March 29, 2010, then a total of 59 across the County that year.[128] In 2011 only nine were detected on two sites in Sonoma, and despite the quarantine the pest spread to Nevada County in 2011.[128] The quarantine was lifted in Fresno, Mendocino, Merced, and San Joaquin in February 2012, only one insect was found in Sonoma for the year, the quarantine was lifted in Nevada, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties in December, and was greatly shrunk in Solano and Sonoma in the same month.[128] No detections occurred in Sonoma in 2013.[128] The quarantine was lifted in Solano in 2014 but one EGVM was found in Sonoma for the year and so the quarantine remained in Napa and Sonoma.[128] The last detection being in June 2014 in Sonoma, all USDA and state quarantine and trapping activities ended with the declaration in August 2016 of a successful eradication.[128] See also § Grapes.
Carpenter Worm (Prionoxystus robiniae),[330] Darkling ground beetle (Blapstinus fuliginosus),[330] Dried fruit beetle (Carpophilus hemipterus),[330] Freeman sap beetle (Carpophilus freemani),[330] Confused sap beetle (Carpophilus mutilatus),[330] Fig beetle (Cotinis texana syn. C. mutabilis),[331][330] Fig mite (Aceria fici),[330] Fig scale (Lepiosaphes conchiformis),[330] and Navel orangeworm[87][88][330] are among the most important pests of fig here. (See § Figs and § Navel orangeworm.)
Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica) has been repeatedly found here and repeatedly eradicated.[332] Monitoring and eradication continue especially because of the wide host range of the grubs but also due to the grubs' and adults' destructiveness.[332]
The Plum Bud Gall Mite (Acalitus phloeocoptes (Nalepa)) was first confirmed here in Santa Clara County in February 2019,[333] but may have been found in northern Marin in early 2014.[222] Certainly since 2019 it has become widespread in the Bay Area, as of 2021[update] reaching Contra Costa, Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, and north into Western Oregon.[222] So far PBGM is known to be a problem on plum and pluot (see § Plums) and not on other stonefruits, especially not almond, even almonds nearby to infested orchards.[222]
The Silverleaf Whitefly (SLW, Bemisia tabaci strain B) was first noticed here in the fall of 1991.[334] First appearing in the valleys of the state's deserts, it has caused about $500 million in agricultural losses here through 2019.[334] Further economic effects include $774 million in lost sales, $112.5 million in lost personal income, and the loss of 12,540 jobs.[334] SLW is intractable in the southern deserts, especially in Imperial, Palo Verde, Coachella, and the southern part of San Joaquin vallies.[334] In the SJV this is worst on § Cotton.[334] Himler et al., 2011 find the Rickettsia sp. nr. bellii symbiont rapidly invaded the population of California, Arizona and New Mexico.[335]
Aleyrodes spiraeoides is a native whitefly.[336] Hosts include strawberry.[336]
Trialeurodes vaporariorum has recently invaded the Central Coast and Southern areas.[336] Hosts include strawberry.[336]
Trialeurodes packardi is a pest of strawberry whiteflies but less commonly than A. spiraeoides.[336]
A Painted Bug, Bagrada hilaris was first detected here in 2008 in San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, 2009 in Ventura, Riverside, and Imperial counties; 2010 in Kern, San Bernardino; no new discoveries here in 2011; 2012 in Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo; 2013 in Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, Fresno, Tulare, San Francisco; 2014 in Inyo, Kings, Merced, Stanislaus, Santa Clara, Alameda, San Mateo, and Yolo.[23] From here it has become an invasive pest of Brassicas throughout the southwest US, neighboring Coahuila, and the Big Island of Hawaii.[23] The most valuable crop threatened is § Broccoli.[23] Much of the research on this pest in this part of the world has been performed by the Palumbo group at the University of Arizona.[23]
Lygus bugs are common pests here including the Western Tarnished Plant Bug (WTPB, Lygus hesperus).[337] A vacuum collector is often used for WTPB in strawberry, called the BugVac.[338] (See also § Strawberry.)
The Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD, Drosophila suzukii) is a major insect pest of soft body fruits here,[339][340] especially grape,[341] strawberry,[342][343] tomato, cherry,[344][340] raspberry and other caneberries,[345] peach and nectarine,[340] fig,[340] and blueberry.[346] Ganaspis brasiliensis is a parasitoid which has been successful as a biocontrol here.[343]
Other Drosophila species include D. melanogaster and D. simulans which vector sour rot and bunch rot pathogens between grape bunches.[341] Hosts include grape[341] and strawberry.[347]
Turelli et al., 1991 uses a genetically modified Wolbachia to suppress D. simulans to suppress its vectored diseases here.[348] (This has become a widely known example of Wolbachia use, and has informed European decision making on vector control.)[348]
The Salt Marsh Caterpillar (Estigmene acrea) is very common here, but usually causes no damage because they are a native pest with many natural enemies acting as biocontrols.[349][350] SMC can be significant in strawberry, see § Strawberries.[349][350]
The Peach Fruit Fly (Bactrocera zonata Saunders) has been repeatedly introduced and quickly eradicated here, in 1984[351] and in 2006.[352][265][266] Then on September 29 and/or 30, 2020, three PFF were found in Chowchilla, Madera County.[265][266] This presents a tremendous hazard not only to the area but to the state, and indeed the entire country.[265][266] Because the pest may spread from here to other countries, trading partners including the European Union and New Zealand are also concerned.[265][266] They are considering restricting importation of fruits and vegetables from the state.[266] As a result, the Secretary of CDFA, Karen Ross has declared a biosecurity emergency and eradication efforts using methyl eugenol lures are underway.[265][266] Especially an immediate concern are California's $2.10b citrus-, $875m stonefruit-, and $1.19b tomato industries.[265][266] (See also § Chowchilla, § Citrus, § Stonefruit, and § Tomatoes.)
The Green Fruit Beetle (Figeater Beetle, Cotinis mutabilis) is occasionally a pest of ripened fruit, including apricot, caneberry, fig, grape, peach, and plum.[353] The larvae/grubs are harmless however.[353]
For Beet Armyworms (BAW, Spodoptera exigua) in strawberry[354] and lettuce[192] see § Pests of strawberry and § Lettuce. S. exigua populations here have long standing carbamate resistance.[355]
First identified here in 1992 in La Mesa, San Diego County by Haagsma et al.,[356] the Formosan Termite (Coptotermes formosanus) has been here since at least 10 years prior.[357] As with every other infestation anywhere in the world, it has never been eradicated, and is still present at the original La Mesa site.[357] In the time since there have been new infestations – mostly suspected to be independent introductions – in Canyon Lake, Riverside County in 2020, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego County in 2021, Highland Park, Los Angeles County in 2021.[358][359] The Formosan Termite is a pest of sugarcane, and for another host see § Citrus, but it is most often a structural pest.[360]
Cucumber Beetles (Diabrotica balteata, Acalymma vittatum, D. undecimpunctata) are common pests here.[13] UC IPM provides recommended practices for apricot,[13] see also § Apricot.
Phylloxera of Grape (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) is a perennial aphid problem here.[153]: 24–25 The industry suffered a wipeout in the 1980s due to overreliance on one, non-resistant rootstock.[153]: 24–25 Islam et al., 2013 explains some of the genetic diversity of the population here by sexual reproduction, but their sampling leaves open other possibilities for the remainder.[361] They also find two major subpopulations differentiated by rootstock association: AxR1 associated and those associated with all others.[361]
The detection of the Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) in 2010 was very concerning to this valuable industry.[85][86] It most likely arrived with in live palms which are commonly sold internationally.[86] The adults flew up to 900 metres (2,953 ft; 984 yd) in a day, and over 3 to 5 days that allowed dispersal up to 7 kilometres (4.3 mi).[86] A tremendous effort was made to trap and eradicate,[85] UCR's Center for Invasive Species Research recommended mostly insecticides, and quick destruction of any palms found to be infested. Pheromone attractant traps were very effective.[86] The California Fan Palm (Washingtonia filifera) and the European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis) seemed to be resistant.[86] The last sighting was on January 18, 2012.[85] Three years later on January 20, 2015, USDA's APHIS declared the eradication successful.[85] Its relative the South American palm weevil (R. palmarum) has killed increasing numbers of Canary Island date palms (Phoenix canariensis) and is expected to become a significant pest of dates in the future.[85] For a common host see § Date.
Several Culex mosquitoes are common here including C. quinquefasciatus, C. stigmatosoma, and C. tarsalis.[256] Insecticides are often used in their control[362] and as a result some species have undergone resistance evolution.[362] Mouches et al., 1986 finds one population achieved this via gene amplification of an esterase.[362][363] See also § Avian malaria.
The southern part of the state suffers from the Walnut Aphid (Spotted Alfalfa Aphid, Therioaphis trifolii).[364] Stern & Reynolds 1958 finds that from the beginning of the 1950s to the end of the decade severe parathion resistance had rapidly developed there.[364]
The common House Fly (Musca domestica) is economically significant in poultry production worldwide, including in California.[364] From 1964 to 1969 Georghiou & Hawley 1972 finds rapid evolution of organophosphate resistance in a poultry facility in Moorpark.[364] The most common permethrin kdr allele here is kdr-his, although kdr and super-kdr are also present.[365] (This profile is also found in New Mexican, Floridian, North Carolinian, New York, and Montanan populations.)[365]
The Mexfly (Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens) has repeatedly invaded the southern part of the state.[366]: 16 Sterile insect technique (SIT) has been used to great success to eradicate them every time, both here and in Texas.[366]: 16 (See also § Sterile Insect Technique.)
The Medfly (Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata) has also been controlled with SIT both here and in Florida, although before 1980 both states used malathion baits.[366]: 18 Eradication by SIT was accomplished with the help of the Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture program, a joint effort of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency (FAO-IAEA).[367]: 30 (See also § Sterile Insect Technique.) Studies of the Medfly invasion here show that there have been many almost-invasions at the state's airports and other ports, most of which have failed to establish[368] including a small infestation in 1975 in Los Angeles which was eradicated using SIT.[127]: 174 This has informed quarantine and invasion biology efforts and studies on the Medfly around the world.[368]
Tetranychus is a genus of spider mites.[58]: 18 Three species are common on cotton here[58]: 18 including the Pacific Spider Mite (Tetranychus pacificus) and the Two-Spotted Spider Mite (T. urticae).[369][58]: 18 and they are hard to distinguish because they are sympatric.[58]: 18 Distinguishing them is nonetheless necessary, because they differ widely in insecticide resistance, with the PSM the worst.[58]: 18 The PSM and 2SSM are also significant in peach here.[370] (See § Cotton and § Arthropods in peach.) Two-Spotted Spider Mite is also a major pest of strawberry,[371] see Production of strawberries in California.
Cotton Aphids (Aphis gossypii, Melon Aphid) afflict cotton and melon crops here.[372] Insecticides are commonly used, and this has produced resistance and may also contaminate their honeydew.[372] Insecticide contaminated honeydew may harm beneficial insects.[372] See also § Cotton.
The Avocado Thrips (Scirtothrips perseae) and Persea Mite (Oligonychus perseae) are two invasive pests here.[18] For a host see § Avocado.
The Tobacco Budworm (Chloridea virescens, Heliothis virescens) is common on cotton in the Imperial Valley.[58]: 80 At least by 1985 C. virescens had developed permethrin resistance.[58]: 80 Nicholson & Miller 1985 find severe metabolic resistance to permethrin in Imperial Valley populations.[58]: 80 See also § Cotton and Imperial Valley.
Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) is a major pest of horticulturals around the world.[373] Here, it is especially known as a pest of peach[370] and strawberry.[374][373] (See also § Cultivars of strawberry, § Arthropods in peach, § Pests of strawberry.)
The Diamondback Moth (Plutella xylostella) is a common insect pest here.[375] Btk (Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki) is a commonly used insectide for Diamondback Moth control in California.[375] Shelton et al., 2000 finds a high degree of natural genetic variation in Btk resistance in the state's DM population.[375]
The Chokecherry Finger Gall Mite (Eriophyes emarginatae) produces leaf galls on several Prunus here.[236]: 178 See also § Prunus.
Several Aedes spp. are present.[376] A. aegypti is found as an exotic pest here.[377] Gloria-Soria et al., 2016 finds a significant amount of shared genetics between the population of the southern part of the state and New Mexico, Arizona, and Mexico.[377]
Procambarus clarkii is an invasive crayfish across the Western US.[378] It was first imported to a frog farm in San Diego County in 1932, and proved so successful as feed and food that descendants were sold around the state.[378] They escaped and now are a widespread nuisance.[378]
Lymantria dispar (spongy moth, gypsy moth) is an established pest here.[379] Epanchin-Niell et al., 2012 find that annual surveillance costs can be easily reduced.[379] Costs are reduced by 50% by targeting surveillance resources based on the difference in surveillance cost by location, and by the difference in establishment risk by location.[379][380]
California is known to be free of Bactrocera tau (Walker).[381] Very few jurisdictions – including this state, Florida, and New Zealand – are at such risk that a system of Steiner traps using methyl eugenol is employed to provide early warning of an invasion.[381] Crops especially at risk include tomato, bell pepper, watermelon, other melons, cucumber and pumpkin.[381] (See also § Tomato, § Melon and Cucumber § Notes.)
California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii) is an invasive pest here.[382] It competitively displaced a prior invader Yellow scale (A. citrina).[382] Debach et al., 1978 finds that A. citrina is now extinct in this state due to the invasion of A. aurantii.[382]
The Black Vine Weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) is mostly found in the Central Coast AVA but does rarely occur elsewhere.[144] Hosts include grape[144] and strawberry.[383] Creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra) is an alternate host.[144]
Otiorhynchus cribricollis (Cribrate weevil) is common in the San Joaquin Valley.[383] It is sometimes a problem in strawberry in the area.[383]
Helicoverpa zea (syn. Heliothis zea) is common in several parts of the state including all strawberry growing areas.[384] H. zea is especially troublesome in southern coastal California.[384]
Cyclamen Mites occur natively here.[385] Hosts include strawberry.[385]
Scutigerella immaculata is an introduced pest restricted to high moisture soil.[386] Hosts include strawberry.[386]
Some slugs (Gastropoda spp.) are vegetable and fruit pests here.[387] Several are introduced pests from Europe.[387] Hosts include strawberry.[387]
European Earwigs are most destructive from April to July here.[388] Hosts include strawberry.[388]
Eotetranychus lewisi is found in coastal areas including Oxnard and Salinas.[389] Hosts include strawberry.[389]
Agrotis ipsilon is the most common cutworm here.[390] Hosts include strawberry.[390]
Pandemis pyrusana is present and eats the leaves of several crops.[320] Hosts include strawberry.[320]
Clepsis peritana is an ecologically important saprovore.[320] Later in the season it is a pest of strawberry.[320]
Myzus persicae is present.[391] Hosts include strawberry.[391]
Macrosiphum euphorbiae is much larger than other aphids in California.[391] Populations here have two forms, a green and a red.[391] Hosts include strawberry.[391]
Aedes albopictus is a pest of livestock concern.[392] Modified Wolbachia have been released to control this species here.[392]
Pectinophora gossypiella
The Pink Bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) was devastating[393] to cotton growers here and throughout the southwest.[42] Chu et al., 1996 reports a management program in the Imperial Valley in which government imposed practices successfully reduced populations.[42] This bollworm is now extirpated from the entire country including this state, thanks to the efforts of Osama El-Lissy and his collaborators.[citation needed]
Wang et al., 2010[394] and 2011[395] find a Pectinophora gossypiella PiggyBac like element 1 (PgPLE1) variant and insertion site of the Imperial Valley population not found elsewhere in the world. See also § Cotton.
Weeds
Rejmanek & Pitcairn 2002 overview 53 weed eradication campaigns in the state, and find that any infestation smaller than 2.5 acres (1.0 ha) was usually successfully eradicated, while anything which had already reached 2,500 acres (1,000 ha) was essentially impossible to do.[396]: 137
Yellow Sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis L. Lam.), Chickweed (Stellaria spp.), Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua Linnaeus), Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris Linnaeus Medikus), Crabgrass (various Digitaria spp.), Spotted Spurge (Euphorbia maculata Linnaeus Small), and Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) are common weeds here, including in strawberry and parsley.[203] (See § Strawberries, and § Parsley.)
Marestail (Horseweed, Conyza canadensis, Erigeron canadensis) is a common native weed here.[397] Glyphosate-resistant marestail first appeared in the state in the Central Valley in 2005 and this resistance spread unusually rapidly through the southern Valley thereafter.[397] Okada et al., 2013 finds several independent evolutionary events, and that these unrelated resistance alleles may have been passed along so quickly because C. canadensis can reproduce by selfing.[397][42] Hairy Fleabane (Conyza bonariensis, Erigeron bonariensis) is one of the major § Weeds in peach here.[370] The Okada group also studies glyphosate-resistant Hairy Fleabane.[398] (See also § Glyphosate.)
In the Central Valley the most common weeds are cool-season grass weeds (Poaceae), thistles (Asteraceae), mustards (Brassicaceae), fiddleneck (Boraginaceae), warm-season grass weeds, warm-season Cyperaceae, amaranths (Amaranthaceae), morning glory (Convolvulaceae), and caltrop (Tribulus terrestris, Zygophyllaceae).[399] Achmon et al., 2018 dramatically lowered seed bank viability, biomass, and density of all these weeds, and improved tomato yield using biosolarization using tomato and grape crop waste.[399]
Cape-ivy (Delairea odorata) is an invasive weed originally from the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa and Swaziland.[400] It was first observed here in 1892 and has since spread to every coast of the state, and into one coastal county of Oregon.[400] Two organisms have been found in its native range which could be introduced here as controls, see § Digitivalva delaireae and § Cercospora delaireae.[400]
Sea Beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima) and Beta macrocarpa are introduced weeds here.[401][402] The allozyme analysis of Bartsch & Ellstrand 1999 shows free gene flow between these two and cultivated beet.[401] Wild beet is only significant in small grains in Imperial, where dicamba and 2,4-D are necessary.[403] See also § Small grains.
Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) was first discovered in San Diego County by Sereno Watson in 1876.[404] It has since spread elsewhere, developed the worst multiresistance in the world, and become one of the most notorious crop weeds in the world.[404] In California it is found in all but the northernmost counties.[405]
California wild radish (radish (Raphanus sativus) × Jointed charlock (R. raphanistrum))[406] has replaced all of its ancestral populations in the state.[402]
Di Tomaso and Healy 2007 find Chenopodium album requires years of continuous management for any significant seedbank reduction.[5]
Pathogens
Xylella fastidiosa
X. fastidiosa was first discovered here by Newton B. Pierce (1856–1916) in 1892.[102][407] It has ever since remained a constant pathogen of many crops here,[408] including grape, almond, citrus, and oleander.[197]
Pierce's Disease
History of PD
When European grapes were introduced to this area – Alta California – in the 1700s they died off repeatedly, primarily due to PD but also insect pests[409] but the natives here had already been growing several native grape varieties, especially Vitis rotundifolia.[409] In the opinion of Scortichini[409] the combination of these two demonstrates PD's presence in the state from antiquity, that native grapes had coevolved with Xf, and that this is the reason for the repeated failures of viticulture here until mixed European/American varieties were tried.[409] This unidentified problem known only as the California Vine Disease devastated 14,000 hectares (35,000 acres) of vineyard around Los Angeles in the 1880s and Pierce was sent by the USDA to investigate.[102] In 1882 Pierce[410] was able to identify that most of the failure was due to the disease, and less to the insects.[409] For Pierce's contributions to its study it was renamed Pierce's Disease in 1939 by the state Department of Agriculture.[102][411]
Whatever the time of arrival in California and in North America, the current PD-causing Xff strains here show very recent divergence – in the mid-1900s.[412] This is likely due to massive expansion – or even introduction – of the current Xff strains, replacing the pre-existing strains across the state as grape acreage expanded in the 1970s.[412]
PD was assumed to be viral until the 1970s.[102][411] The first isolation and identification of the bacterium is variously credited either to two groups simultaneously in 1973, Goheen et al., 1973 and Hopkins & Mollenhauer 1973,[102] or only to Davis, Purcell, and Thomson 1978.[411]
In 1997 the Blue-Green Sharpshooter (the primary PD vector) arrived here and the two have combined badly ever since.[329] (See § Blue-Green Sharpshooter.) Only two years later, in 1999 together they inflicted over US$6 million in Southern California alone.[329]
The Glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) is an invasive agricultural pest which arrived in Southern California in the 1990s and has since invaded the central part of the state as well.[126] (See § Glassy-winged sharpshooter.) It is an unusually effective vector of PD.[126]
PD today
The CDFA's Pierce's Disease Control Program coordinates response and research in the state.[413]
Alston et al., 2013 estimates that PD cost the state $92m in 2013[108] and over Tumber et al., 2014 estimates $104m annually in 2014.[329] Burbank estimates the cost to be $100m annually by 2022.[103]
GWSS remains a common vector of PD and as such is a severe drag on the entire continent's wine grape and table grape pricing and supply.[126] In the Napa- and Sonoma- Valleys and other such costal AVAs PD mostly occurs in hotspots adjascent to small water flows.[150] These areas are defined by small streams and ornamental irrigation.[150] These are favorable habitat for the BGSS.[150] Lin et al., 2005 provides SSRs for differentiating between the state's various strains infecting grape and other crops[197] and Lin et al., 2013 for grape-infecting strains here and in Texas.[102]
The BGSS is known to thrive in higher temperatures and PD epidemics are more severe in hotter years, and there is evidence that global warming is increasing BGSS transmission of PD here.[414] Larger data sets are needed for stronger confirmation.[414]
There are two major divisions here, a lineage from Bakersfield and Santa Barbara and another from Temecula and the north.[412] Within the northern areas there is lower gene flow, probably due to the Mayacamas Mountains.[412]
Zhang et al., 2011 compares a PD strain to EB92-1 and finds that they are surprisingly similar.[415] EB92-1 is a biocontrol strain discovered by Hopkins in 1992 and published as Hopkins 2005.[415] It is originally from elderberry (Sambucus spp.) and is highly persistent on grapevine but is asymptomatic.[415] Zhang finds that the EB92-1 genome is a proper subset of the Temecula1 genome, lacking 11 missing genes, 10 of which are predicted to be pathogenicity factors.[415]
Vanhove et al., 2020 elucidates the current genetic situation of PD strains here, including population structure and their evolution.[416]
Xf in stonefruit
Xf is also significant in stonefruit here, causing Almond leaf scorch disease and other diseases.[408][102] (See also § Almonds.) Xf isolates CFBP8071 and M23 are common on almond here.[408] Moralejo et al., 2019 shed some light on the European invasion of this pathogen.[408] Their analysis shows these isolates have a 99.4% nucleotide identity with those on grape in the introduced range – and more generally, these isolates, a European cherry infection, and PD isolates from both areas have a high degree of relatedness.[408] Chen et al., 2005 provides PCR primers, Lin et al., 2015 Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs), and Chen et al., 2010 the first genome sequence for common almond-infecting strains here.[102] Lin et al., 2005 provides SSRs for differentiating strains from almond from various other strains.[197] While almond and plum develop leaf scorch (see also § Plums), Ledbetter & Rogers 2009 find that peach does not.[102]
Besides Pierce's Disease, the glassy-winged sharpshooter also vectors Xf among stonefruit and so its arrival threatens the world's almond supply (see § Glassy-winged sharpshooter and § Stonefruit).[126]
Xf of citrus
Lin et al., 2005 provides Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) which distinguish California's Citrus Variegated Chlorosis (CVC) strains from almond, oleander, and PD strains.[197]
Xf of oleander
Grebus et al., 1996 discovered the oleander bacterial leaf scorch syndrome.[102] Lin et al., 2005 provides Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) which distinguish California's OBLS strains from almond, citrus, and PD strains.[197] See also § Xylella fastidiosa subsp. sandyi.
Other Xf infections
Xf has many other hosts. Chitalpa tashkentensis is a common landscaping plant here and elsewhere in the southwest that is also a host.[102] Randall et al., 2009 propose the subspecies tashke for these strains but it remains unclear whether this is a distinct subspecies and whether it endures in the overall evolutionary course of Xf strains.[102] Hernandez-Martinez et al., 2007 find the subspecies sandyi causes disease of Oleander, Jacaranda spp., daylily, and magnolia.[102]
Raju 1983 finds Xf without symptoms on wild Carneocephala fulgida, Draeculacephala minerva, the Blue-Green Sharpshooter (BGSS, Graphocephala atropunctata, a vector), Helochara delta, Pagaronia tredecimpunctata, and Philaenus spumarius.[102] Purcell & Saunders 1999 find infections in plants common to riparian zones here often are not motile in the host and spontaneously improve.[102]
Botrytis cinerea
Various strains of gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) are a constant presence in the state's horticulture, especially afflicting strawberry[417] and grape.[107] (See § Strawberries and § Grapes.)
Fungicides are used multiple times per seasons and as a result resistance to almost every mode of action[418] is common.[417] Cosseboom et al., 2019 finds the proportion of resistant isolates increased within a single season in conventional but not organic.[417] This shows that evolution is driven by usage in this crop.[417]
Alleles responsible include the erg27 alleles F196C, F412I, and F412S; bos1 alleles I356N, I365N, and I365S; the β-tubulin allele E198A (which Hu et al. 2016 finds has no fitness penalty); the cytb allele G143A (found by Veloukas et al., 2014 to have no fitness penalty); the mrr1 allele R351C and the mrr1 deletion event ΔL497 (also known as MDR1h and found only in Botrytis group S); and sdhB alleles H272R, H272Y, N230I, and P225F (the only one conferring resistance to isofetamid, also confers other resistance – to penthiopyrad, to fluopyram, and to boscalid – and associated by Hu et al., 2016 with resistance to fluxapyroxad).[417] The analysis of Cosseboom et al., 2019 explains 93.8% of resistance by already-known alleles discovered by Banno et al., 2008, Ma et al., 2007, Grabke et al., 2013, Kretschmer et al., 2009, Dowling et al., 2017, Fernández-Ortuño et al., 2012, Amiri et al., 2014, and Yin et al., 2011, so very little is due to experimental error, unknown physiological effects, or undiscovered alleles.[417] (See § Isofetamid, § Fluopyram, and § Boscalid.)
Organic strawberry ranches experience very active genetic transfer with conventional strawberry and as a result they have high proportions of resistance.[417] Cosseboom et al., 2019 finds that conventional fields undergo within-season resistance evolution, while organic does not, demonstrating that they are indeed not using the fungicides they claim to not use, and that genetic transfer is not so rapid as to change the situation in a field that quickly.[417]
Ma & Michailides 2005 developed a microsatellite primed PCR (MP-PCR) for genetic diversity in this fungus, especially for populations in this state.[419] Strawberry Botrytis leaf spot was first discovered in 2018 in Santa Maria and reported by Mansouripour & Holmes 2020.[420] Bc was not previously known to produce a leaf spot phenotype in strawberry.[420]
In table grape there is a limit of 0.5% – table grapes can only be shipped if an allotment contains 0.5% or less of Bc-infected berries.[107] For one treatment option for grape, see § Ozone.[107]
Shao et al., 2021 find azoxystrobin resistance is very common in this population.[421] They find it is much more common than in China where azoxystrobin is almost unknown.[421]
B. cinerea is a common cause of postharvest losses in this industry.[422] Due to the need for long shelf life in the California industry – because target markets include the whole continent – and the low moisture growing environments, Petrasch et al., 2021 find genomic selection for strawberry resistance is highly successful.[422] In other environments and markets however this is not expected to be as simple.[422]
Most B. cinerea inoculum is introduced via aeroplankton.[423] Significant protection against this is afforded by polytunnels.[423] Daugovish & Larson 2009 find 84%–90% greater yield and 62%–140% greater marketable yield resulting in $14,000–$18,500 per hectare ($5,700–$7,500/acre) greater revenue due to polytunnels.[423]
Though gray mold elsewhere may be caused by both B. cinerea and B. pseudocinerea in California B. pseudocinerea is unknown on strawberry.[424] However it is found on blueberry in the San Joaquin Valley.[424]
Other pathogens of grape
Red Blotch Disease (caused by grapevine red blotch virus, GLRaV-3[citation needed]) costs the state $90 million annually.[108] Losses in Napa County cost over $69,500 per hectare ($28,100/acre) across the likely 25-year lifetime of a vineyard, far higher than the $2,200 per hectare ($890/acre) estimated for eastern Washington.[108]
Al Rwahnih et al., 2013 discovered Grapevine Red Blotch-associated Virus (GRBaV) here, a DNA virus of this crop.[425][426] This is one of the few discoveries of a DNA virus of this crop.[426]
Leafroll Disease (grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3) is also economically significant.[108]
The seriousness of Powdery Mildew (Uncinula necator) has been recognized since at least 1859 in the northern grape district.[92] Newton B. Pierce was working in the area a few decades before his discovery of Pierce's Disease, and over the 1860s he watched U. necator spread to the south.[92] Frederic Bioletti called it the only serious fungal disease the industry suffered from, and so it has remained ever since.[92][427] The first case of U. necator demethylation inhibitor resistance (DMI resistance) in was found in this state in 1980.[428] This was only confirmed with Gubler et al., 1996's reanalysis of 1986 and 1990 samples however.[428] Gubler finds that reduced rates prescribed by IPM are responsible for some of U. necator's triadimefon-, myclobutanil-, and fenarimol resistances.[211][429][428]
Phomopsis dieback (caused by Phomopsis viticola) is also a major trunk disease here.[426] It is endemic to California.[426]
Fusarium spp.
Fusarium is a genus of many species which are ubiquitous around the world, including here.
Fusarium Wilt of Strawberry (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae) had only been seen once before, in Queensland, in one sample of Winks & Williams in 1966,[430] until appearing again here in 2006 and identified by Koike et al. 2009.[431] As of 2018[update] it has spread throughout the state.[432] Henry et al., 2017 apply a Japanese PCR-based test of nuclear ribosomal intergenic spacer and elongation factor 1-α.[433] They find such high similarity between the intended – Japanese – target populations and California populations that there are almost no false negatives.[433] There are no false positives on other Fo types (i.e. those not pathogenic on strawberry).[433] Although this suggests both populations have a common origin, that remains to be proven. The matching IGS and EF-1α sequences divide into three somatic compatibility groups.[433] The vast majority fell into what they term SCG1, with a few of SCG2 and SCG3.[433] SCG2 is always a false negative with this test which may indicate the entire group lacks the sequence in question.[433] Although this proves to be a good test, a universally valid test may require finding a sequence specifically pertinent to virulence on the host and not other, incidental sequences.[433] For genetic resistance see § Diseases of strawberry.
In early 2012 a previously unknown plant disease (an unidentified Fusarium) and vector (a Euwallacea, preliminarily termed the polyphagous shot hole borer, PSHB) were detected in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.[17] This is especially a disease affecting avocado growers, but also other crops in this state and in its other invasive range, in Israel.[17] In fact although PSHB was noticed on a black locust here in 2003, the associated Fusarium was only detected in 2012 on home avocado trees in LA County.