THE PROBLEM
Almonds, as well as other orchard crops, face a problem known as the prunus replant problem, or prunus replant disease (PRD). This disease—a complex soilborne problem that affects trees when new orchards are planted in previously cultivated Prunus species fields (like almonds, peaches, and plums)—causes poor growth and reduced productivity in young trees. PRD symptoms include poor root development, stunted growth, and early decline in orchards, further exacerbating the challenges nematodes pose.
Orchards and vineyards suffering from the replant problem show poor growth and poor vigor, often for the entire life of the crop. As root and vegetative growth suffers, so do yields. Using rootstock with nematode and/or disease resistance will not completely stop the problem as no single rootstock is resistant to all species of nematode.
For California almond growers, managing both nematode infestations and replant disease is essential to ensure healthy orchards and high-yielding trees.
In some cases, nematodes can make the plant more susceptible to diseases, such as bacterial canker, or directly transmit pathogens, such as grape fanleaf virus. The components of the replant problem–nematodes and pathogenic soil organisms–are found throughout the soil profile and extend several feet deep, making them very difficult to reach with most crop protection products.
COMMON PESTS
Signs of nematode infestation include:
- Lack of vigor
- Small leaves
- Dieback of twigs
- Sparse root system
- Excessive wilting
- Uneven growth
- Nematodes can cause a gradual decline in production over time, including lower yield and general tree decline.
- Nematodes can also transmit diseases like bacterial canker, which can weaken and kill trees
TELONE™ SUPPRESSES:
- Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne spp.)
- Lesion Nematode (Pratylenchus spp.)
- Ring Nematode (Criconemella spp.)
- Dagger Nematode (Xiphinema americanum.)
- Prunus replant disease
THE SOLUTION
TELONE™ soil fumigant is an essential tool for California almond growers facing both nematode pressure and Prunus replant disease. Due to the nature of nematodes—where they reside in the soil and how they affect tree roots—TELONE™ is the most effective product available for nematode control. Soil fumigation with TELONE™ targets nematodes deep in the root zone, allowing growers to manage nematode populations before young trees are planted.
In addition to controlling nematodes, TELONE™ helps mitigate the effects of Prunus replant disease by creating a healthier soil environment for newly planted almond trees. By reducing the pest and disease pressure in the soil, TELONE™ helps young almond trees establish stronger roots, promoting vigorous growth and long-term orchard health.
TELONE™ does more than just kill old roots and manage nematodes and soil-borne diseases; it creates a zone of protection around roots, allowing them to grow better, stronger and faster. The increased growth provided by soil fumigation (compared to untreated) is so dramatic that the cost of fumigation is often paid for with the first crop harvested. Pre-plant fumigation is essential for orchard growers who only have one chance to fumigate before transplanting rootsock that will often last decades.
