American Pistachio Growers (APG), in partnership with UC Riverside, UC IPM, the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Washington State University, and several industry partners, has received a US$1 million grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture's Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability under the Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) Program.

© American Pistachio Growers

The funded project, titled Regional IPM for Navel Orangeworm (NOW), aims to establish a coordinated, data-based framework for managing pest pressure across California's tree nut sector. The initiative will integrate regional trapping and weather data through a Decision Aid System (DAS) to forecast pest activity, optimize control timing, and support communication among almond, pistachio, and walnut producers.

According to Joe Coelho, Director of Sustainability at APG, the system will provide "a tool that combines real-time regional analytics with grower coordination, helping reduce pesticide use, lower costs, and improve nut quality."

The project is designed to support California's Sustainable Pest Management (SPM) Roadmap by promoting regional cooperation and precision-based pest control. Key objectives include reducing pesticide applications, improving nut quality, and lowering aflatoxin risk through improved timing and coordination of interventions.

The program will begin in early 2026, with pilot sites in West Fresno County, led by Dr. Houston Wilson of UC Riverside, and in Modesto, led by Dr. Jhalendra Rijal of UC IPM. APG will oversee grower coordination and participation during implementation.

© American Pistachio GrowersFor more information:

Carlee Branco

American Pistachio Growers

Email: [email protected]

www.americanpistachios.org