Blue Diamond Almonds Bloom Report – March 4, 2015

Central Region

This report concludes the bloom reporting season. The next scheduled report will be posted on Monday, March 16, 2015. In the event of any significant occurrences prior to that date, this site will be updated as soon as possible.

Clear skies and warm temperatures covered the central region. A low of 33 degrees quickly climbed to 65 degrees as the sun rose and morning clouds disappeared. Light winds of three to seven miles per hour were accentuated by gusts of up to 24 miles per hour in southern Stanislaus and Merced counties. Despite periods of heavy winds, bees were able to put in 6 to 7 good hours of work.

Wind levels and warmer temperatures have continued to accelerate the decline of bloom. Although bees can be seen working in orchards, observers have noted that there is very little viable pollen left to work, even in most of the Butte and Padre orchards that look to still have measurable amounts of bloom remaining. Due to the lack of available pollen, beekeepers have begun removing hives from orchards.

Growers continue with orchard maintenance activities and are keeping an eye on the weather forecast. Those with available water are irrigating when necessary and providing trees with important nutrients to support their crop.