2010 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 This research contributes to objective 1 of the in-house project. The goal of this project is to validate more stringent sanitation standards in almonds for control of navel orangeworm and incorporate new narrow spectrum insecticides into management programs. One ARS entomologist in Parlier, CA and one entomologist, at UC Davis, CA, are collaborating on this project. Navel orangeworm mating disruption employing aerosol puffers in walnuts in the Sacramento Valley is also 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 were performed over the winter in order to develop more accurate monitoring techniques so that the use of puffers could be refined. Cooperator activity was monitored by reports at a stakeholder meeting in August, presentations made to the Almond Board of California, telephone conversations and e-mail.