Joe Connell, Farm Advisor for almonds, olives, citrus, subtropicals, and ornamental horticulture. Joe coordinates an educational and applied research program that serves the needs of 1365 agribusiness owners, managers, and crop consultants from throughout Butte County in subject areas related to these commodities. Butte County's 40,129 acres of almonds, 1,686 acres of olives, and 162 acres of citrus collectively provide over $113 million of gross revenue annually to the local economy. Joe holds BS and MS degrees in Plant Science and Horticulture from UC Davis, a Qualified Pesticide Applicators Certificate in demonstration and research, and has 28 years of experience in production and culture of almonds, olives, and citrus. He has conducted projects on variety and rootstock selection, pruning, plant nutrition and irrigation. His pest management work on insects, diseases, and weeds has led to the adoption of improved methods of pest control. He serves as the UC Liaison officer to the almond industry and is recognized as a statewide expert in the production and culture of almonds and olives.
RESEARCH PROGRAM
• Improving anthracnose fungus disease management in almonds
• Almond Pest Management Alliance - verification of economically and environmentally sustainable farming practices
• Northern locations for statewide tests of new almond varieties and rootstocks
• Solutions for the rind breakdown disorder in Mandarin oranges
• Improving management strategies for olive fly
• Fumigation alternatives to resolve almond orchard replant problems
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
• Assists farmers and consultants in identifying and solving production problems
• Participated in development of almond and olive production manuals
• Helped develop pictorial guide to almond blossom and foliar diseases
• Holds field meetings to demonstrate the results of research
• Organizes & presents educational meetings to keep growers and the public updated
• Participates in organizing and presenting olive and almond short courses
• Guest lectures at UC Davis, Butte College, CSUC, and at public meetings
• Writes almond, olive, and citrus newsletters and popular articles for trade journals
• Provides research based scientific information to the public and agricultural clients through phone discussions and mailing of pertinent extension literature.
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