Over 20 years of research by UC scientists, farm advisors, growers, and the USDA's Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program have culminated in the first production manual from the University of California for current or potential producers of certified organic apples. Organic Apple Production Manual includes a review of trends in production and markets, supply and price, and state/federal regulation and certification. Chapters include orchard management, disease and pest management, harvest and postharvest operations, marketing considerations, and economic performance. Includes a bibliography of publications useful to the organic grower.

Inside you'll find a detailed index, a completely revised section on codling moth management with detailed information on mating disruption, revision of leafroller management practices, updates on oak root fungus and wild asparagus, biological control of fireblight, and new control strategies for pear psylla. The emphasis is on least-toxic control methods, selective pesticides, and cultural and biological controls. Also includes a section on organically acceptable control methods. More than 200 color photos and 100 figures and tables.

For decades fruit growers have sprayed their trees with toxic chemicals in an attempt to control a range of insect and fungal pests. Yet it is possible to grow apples responsibly, by applying the intuitive knowledge of our great-grandparents with the fruits of modern scientific research and innovation. Since The Apple Grower first appeared in 1998, orchardist Michael Phillips has continued his research with apples, which have been called "organic's final frontier." In this new edition of his widely acclaimed work, Phillips delves even deeper into the mysteries of growing good fruit with minimal inputs. Some of the cuttingedge topics he explores include: The use of kaolin clay as an effective strategy against curculio and borers, as well as its limitations Creating a diverse, healthy orchard ecosystem through understory management of plants, nutrients, and beneficial microorganisms How to make a small apple business viable by focusing on heritage and regional varieties, value-added products, and the "community orchard" model The author's personal voice and clear-eyed advice have already made The Apple Grower a classic among small-scale growers and home orchardists. In fact, anyone serious about succeeding with apples needs to have this updated edition on their bookshelf.

This manual provides detailed information for growers on production issues, plant nutrition, economics, pest and weed control, management of olive wastes, the conversion process, and organic certification and registration. Using this manual you'll learn about orchard site selection considerations, irrigation needs, terrain, temperature, soil, damage from the olive fruit fly, and how these may vary for table fruit versus fruit for oil production. You'll also learn how to evaluate harvest methods an important consideration as harvest costs typically amount to half the total production cost for olives. This manual has been developed as a supplement to the Olive Production Manual, 2nd Edition. Organic growers are advised to consult both publications as they develop and refine their production systems.

Providing expert tips on tending the land, caring for animals, and necessary equipment, Ann Larkin Hansen also covers the intricate process of acquiring organic certification and other business considerations important to a profitable operation. Discover the rewarding satisfaction of running a successful and sustainable organic farm.

Despite increasing consumer demand and an imminent production surge in breadfruit, a number of barriers must be overcome in order to increase the market availability, distribution, and commercial competitiveness of breadfruit. Many growers have limited understanding of when a fruit is ready to harvest and how to best harvest and handle the fruit to ensure a high quality product is delivered to market. As with any perishable crop-producers must learn proper handling of breadfruit to optimize its value to consumers, and therefore its commercial value. Similarly, chefs and consumers also need essential information on handling and preparation of breadfruit. This comprehensive 36-page guide will help growers ensure that the existing and future breadfruit crop will be used on farm, in the marketplace, or in the consumer's kitchen. This second edition adds kitchen handling tips, nutritional information, and descriptions for three important breadfruit varieties.

Providing the theoretical and conceptual framework for this continually evolving field, Agroecology: The Ecology of Sustainable Food Systems, Second Edition explores environmental factors and complexities affecting agricultural crops and animals. Completely revised, updated, and reworked, the second edition contains new data, new readings, new issues and case studies, and new options. It includes two completely new chapters, one on the role of livestock animals in agroecosystems and one on the cultural and community aspects of sustainable food systems. The author clearly delineates the importance of using an ecosystem framework for determining if a particular agricultural practice, input, or management decision contributes or detracts from sustainability. He explains how the framework provides the ecological basis for the functioning of the chosen management strategy over the long-term. He also examines system level interactions, stressing the need for understanding the emergent qualities of populations, communities, and ecosystems and their roles in sustainable agriculture. Using examples of farming systems in a broad array of ecological conditions, the book demonstrates how to use an ecosystem approach to design and manage agroecosystems for sustainability.