2009 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) To validate and demonstrate areawide management approaches for the navel orangeworm in tree nut crops grown in the northern region of California’s central valley. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) In collaboration with USDA-ARS scientists at the San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center, Commodity Protection and Quality Unit, we will work with stakeholders in the Sacramento Valley to validate and demonstrate navel orangeworm management spproaches including cultural controls (sanitation, destruction of ground mummies, andearly harvest), improved timing of reduced risk insecticides, and mating disruption. In order to successful accomplish this, we will validate and modify parameters (if necessary) for risk assessment in northern tree nut growing regions of California including navel orangeworm overwintering survival in mummy nuts remaining on trees and on the ground, contribution of nearby navel orangeworm sources to load in commercial orchards, incidence of navel orangeworm damage in the presence of other kernal feeders, and navel orangeworm degree-days. Documents SCA with UC Davis. 3.Progress Report One ARS entomologist in Parlier, CA and one entomologist, UC Davis, CA, are collaborating on validating and demonstrating the benefits of more stringent sanitation guidelines for navel orangeworm in almonds, as well as incorporating newly available narrow spectrum insecticides into existing navel orangeworm management programs. Navel orangeworm mating disruption employing aerosol puffers in walnuts in the Sacramento Valley is being demonstrated. These demonstration sites currently cover more than 2,000 acres and are evaluated in cooperation with 14 growers and their Pest Control Advisers. Supporting studies assessed NOW larval survival in unharvested almonds and walnuts over the winter in order to develop more accurate monitoring techniques so that the use of puffers could be refined. Two presentations were made at the 2008 Annual Almond Board of California Conference on the progress of the areawide program and the role of increased sanitation in reducing navel orangeworm damage. Cooperator activity was monitored by reports at a stakeholder meeting,presentations made to the Almond Board of California, telephone conversations and e-mail.