And Cherry and Citrus both start with "C"
We know neither a lemon or an avocado is a cherry or an apple and a lemon is not an avocado, but fruit trees have lots of things in common: basic physiology. This distinguishes them from annual plants. Pruning, irrigation, fertility management - horticulture - share common principles in tree culture than are different from lettuce culture. Learn some of these big ideas in a focused two week educational extravaganza. Avocados aren't almonds, but you will learn how they are similar and learn how to be a better avocado grower. Become a pomologist!!!!
Principles of Fruit & Nut Tree Growth, Cropping
& Management
2020 Principles of Fruit & Nut Tree Growth, Cropping & Management
March 23 - April 2, 2020
University of California, Davis campus
Understanding the fundamentals of tree biology is essential in making sound orchard management and business decisions in the tree fruit and nut industry. However, access to educational courses on basic fruit and nut tree biology, and how it relates to agronomic practices, is limited. Our course incorporates lecture, lab exercises, and field demonstrations to provide information on all aspects of basic plant biology and the relationship between plant biology and nuts and fruit orchard management.
Our course includes nine full days of instruction. The first five days will be held at the UC Davis campus and include lecture, laboratory exercises, and field demonstrations.
The following week participants embark upon a field trip through fruit and nut tree growing regions of Northern and Central California. On March 30th, we head north from Davis toward Corning and come back to Davis in the evening. From March 31st to April 2nd, we head south in the California Central Valley, and stay in Selma, CA for two nights.
The price for the one week lecture/labs course that runs from March 23rd through March 27th is $1975, and includes course materials, small breakfast/coffee breaks and lunches and an evening graduation reception. Accommodation is not included during the first week of the course.
The price for the first and second week of the course is $2975. This option includes everything mentioned above, transportation during the field tours, one lunch, and an evening dinner. The remaining lunches and dinners are not included in the price. Participants are also responsible for their overnight stay in Davis on March 30th. Please make your own reservation at a local hotel of your choice.
Additionally, $215 is asked for the two nights field tour lodging (in Selma), for a total of $3190 for the two weeks. If you do not wish to stay at the hotel with the group, you are free to find your own lodging and not pay the $215. However, note that transport to and from different hotels or your home will not be provided.
More detailed information on location and schedule will be sent to registered participants closer to the beginning of the course.
Registration will be closed after February 1st, 2020.
Registration for the 2020 Principles Course
(Credit card payment)
Course Topics
- Tree growth, development & pruning
- Dormancy, chilling & rest breaking
- Flowering, pollination & fruit set
- Fruit development & thinning
- Tree water relations & irrigation
- Plant nutrition & fertilization
- Root growth & rootstocks
- Tree fruit pests and pathogens
- Harvesting
For course content questions, please contact the Fruit & Nut Research and Information Center staff at fruitsandnuts@ucdavis.edu.
inspect the root excavation
Scholarship Opportunities
We are proposing scholarships for the class each year, which cover the cost of the first week of the course ($1975)
To be eligible for the 2020 Principles of Fruit & Nut Tree Growth, Cropping & Management Course Scholarship you must be:
- A Californian grower
- A new grower with fewer than 3 years experience with tree crops OR in the process of transitioning between crops
- On a small farm with fewer than 40 acres of tree crops
You must apply before November 1st, 2019.
We will review all applications received and notify applicants of our decision by November 30, 2019.
The scholarship does not cover fees not included in the course price, like accommodation and dinners. If you wish to attend the second week as well, you will be responsible for all fees for that week ($1215).
If you have any questions about the scholarship application please send an email to fruitsandnuts@ucdavis.edu
