The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources released on Apr. 17 detailed seasonal recommendations for the care and maintenance of various fruit trees, including apple, apricot, cherry, olive, peach, nectarine, pear, plum, and prune.
This information is important for growers and home gardeners seeking to maintain healthy trees and improve yields through sustainable practices. The guidance covers all major seasons—winter dormancy through fall harvest—and addresses pruning techniques, pest control methods such as dormant oil sprays and fungicides, fertilization schedules with both urea and organic manure or compost, irrigation routines tailored to each species’ needs throughout the year, as well as specific advice for harvesting times.
The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources secures funding through public contributions to support its programs, according to the official website. The organization promotes sustainable practices to strengthen resilient ecosystems and economic vitality in agriculture across the state according to its official website.
To further these goals in research-based extension services for communities statewide, the university utilizes nine research and extension centers that serve as laboratories representing California’s diverse ecosystems according to its official website. It also manages Cooperative Extension services within the broader University of California system according to its official website.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources has gained recognition for providing trusted services that link academic research directly with community needs according to its official website. Each year it conducts more than 33,800 educational events while engaging over 18,400 volunteers in outreach initiatives statewide according to its official website.
These efforts reflect a commitment not only to supporting individual growers but also fostering broader agricultural sustainability throughout California.