2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Evaluate the efficacy of mating disruption delivered by puffers, targeting navel orangeworm infesting walnuts in Butte, Glenn, and Tehama counties. As part of this effort, determine the baseline populations of navel orangeworm in selected orchard blocks and the efficacy of current sanitation and/or other cultural practices. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Currently, there are 600 acres of walnuts participating in a mating disruption program targeting codling moth (Cydia pomonella) and an additional 200-400 acres will be added this year. Blocks with high and low navel orangeworm pressure will be selected and optimal puffer placement and supporting treatment regimes will be determined. Damage by navel orangeworm throughout the growing season will be monitored. Baseline studies to determine the level of sanitation will be performed in these orchards and the relationship between walnut sanitation and navel orangeworm infestation quantified. Populations will be monitored throughout the study using virgin-baited female traps provided by ARS. Growers, PCAs, and farm advisors will be trained in proper puffer installation, monitoring protocols for traps, lures, and canopy counts. Data will be pooled from the puffer demonstrations and emailed to participants on a timely basis. 3.Progress Report This Specific Cooperative Agreement supports Objective 1A of the parent project, promoting mating disruption as an alternative and/or adjunct to conventional control of navel orangeworm in walnuts. Data on navel orangeworm infestation of walnuts continued to be collected as part of codling moth mating disruption trial in Glenn, Butte and Tehama counties (approximately 750 acres). Educational efforts included training personnel how to properly deploy puffer cabinets and monitor infestation levels of navel orangeworm as well as conduct post harvest damage assessments. In addition, virgin baited female traps were deployed in northern California to monitor male capture as an assessment of the efficacy of mating disruption. Progress on this project was monitored by discussion at stakeholder and farm adviser meetings and conference calls.