Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1286027
RESEARCH UPDATE 15 chance of survival – and a win for the growers – through improved pollination and subsequent increased yields. Grower to grower: Rishwain's approach to planting Rishwain noted the Seeds for Bees program has several premixed seed varieties optimized for different situations and that choosing the right one was easy with the help of Synk, the program's technical expert, who helps take the guesswork out of selecting the right mix. Rishwain planted his cover crop in mid-October to try to time the crop to bloom before his almonds. He decided to drill seed the cover crop, hiring a service since he did not have his own drill seeder (though other growers have used broadcast seeders successfully). He noted that he had some initial concerns that the cover crop might get in the way during routine orchard maintenance but found that was not a problem – the cover crop canopy was not high enough in the fall to cause an issue, and he could just drive over the forage to do winter sanitation. In the spring, he terminated the cover crop to prepare for harvest. Growers can do the same via spraying or mowing. "The deadline to apply for this year's 'Seeds for Bees' 2 program is November 1, though we encourage growers to apply earlier to increase their chances of hitting the optimum planting window of October 1 through 15," Synk said. "However, as it goes with agriculture, the perfect scenario is always not able to be achieved. For some growers, planting in late October and into November is common. When cover crops are planted in late November, there may not be as much cover crop bloom available before almond bloom, especially if we experience a cold November-through-January period. Still, all the soil health benefits associated with cover crops will be achieved." Growers interested to learn more about ABC's Bee+ Scholarship and the Seeds for Bees and Bee Friendly Farming programs are encouraged to visit Almonds.com/Pollination, where they can also download a copy of ABC's Honey Bee Best Management Practices (shown above), which discuss the benefits of cover crops. Those interested to learn more about CASP and how participating in that program will create efficiencies in becoming Bee Friendly certified should reach out to ABC's Tom Devol, senior manager of Field Outreach and Education, at tdevol@almondboard.com. Continued from page 14 In mid-January, Rishwain evaluated the root biomass it in its early growth stage, noticing how the roots had helped alleviate soil compaction and improve water holding capacity. Photo courtesy of Chris Rishwain In April, when his cover crop was fully grown, Rishwain snapped this picture of a honey bee visiting the flowering crop to receive supplemental nutrients. Photo courtesy of Chris Rishwain 2 https://www.projectapism.org/seeds-for-bees.html