Industry Newsletter Fall 2013
Transcription
Industry Newsletter Fall 2013
Fall 2013 news Points to Consider in the Prevention of Crown Gall By Daniel A. Kluepfel1, Lani Yakabe2, Janine Hasey3 Crown gall, caused by the soil-borne bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens, can cause significant economic loss in both commercial walnut orchards and nursery operations in California. The reason for this is seedling Paradox hybrid rootstock is extremely susceptible to the crown gall bacterium. Here we discuss five areas examined in our quest to develop robust crown gall control measures. Pre-plant fumigation: Methyl bromide (MeBr) alternatives, Vapam, Telone® C-35, and Telone® C-35 followed by an additional application of chloropicrin, all reduced populations of A. tumefaciens in native field soil in the laboratory. The addition of chloropicrin to 1,3-dichloropropene in Telone® C-35 dramatically reduced A. tumefaciens populations in soil, but not in buried gall tissue. Additional chloropicrin applied after Telone® C-35 reduced A. tumefaciens in gall material. In sites with a history of high crown gall incidence, fumigation with Telone® C-35 followed by chloropicrin, combined with gall removal, should be considered. For fumigation info, see “Fumigation Guidelines” in: http://cesutter.ucdavis.edu/ newsletters/Fall_2008_Sacramento_Valley_Walnut_News36490.pdf Long term Agrobacterium survival: We documented A. tumefaciens survival for at least 2 years in orchard soil and at l east 1.5 years in non-irrigated fallow soil. The A. tumefaciens strain we introduced, and reisolated 2 years later, retained the ability to induce crown gall formation. Given these data, a fallow rotation would not be expected to limit crown gall formation. Use “clean” seeds for Paradox rootstock production: Soil fumigation dramatically alters the microbial community in soil which often compromises its ability to inhibit introduced soil-borne pathogens. Consequently, it is imperative only “clean” (i.e., free of plant pathogens) planting material be used in these situations. We detected A. tumefaciens on black walnut seeds that had been shaken to the orchard floor. Interestingly, the longer the seeds remained on the orchard floor prior to harvest, the greater the percentage of A. tumefaciens contaminated seeds were discovered. These contaminated USDA-ARS Crops Pathology and Genetics Research Unit, Dept. of Plant Pathology, Univ. of CA. Davis, Davis, CA 2 Dept. of Plant Pathology, Univ. of CA. Davis, Davis, CA 3 UC Farm Advisor, Sutter/Yuba/Colusa Counties 1 seeds are then planted in fumigated soil which contains a fumigantinduced compromised microbial community unable to suppress the A. tumefaciens hitching a ride on the seed. This results in establishment of A. tumefaciens in soil where it is ready to infect the walnut seedling upon emergence. To reduce early infection, we propose using a catching frame or shake the mother trees on tarps spread on the ground prior to shaking. The point is, eliminate soil contact by the black walnut seeds prior to planting in fumigated soil. Contaminated grafting tools and graft wood: When sanitation measures are not followed, Paradox seedlings can develop galls at the graft union. Bleach, a standard sanitizing agent, is effective. However, it is phytotoxic, corrosive and rapidly inactivated by dissolved or suspended organic solids. One effective alternative is Physan 20 which reduces populations of A. tumefaciens and is a bit less impacted by the presence of organic material. It is important to remember to disinfect cutting tools after use on gall tissue. Finally, graft wood and grafting tools should never be left on soil where they can become contaminated with A. tumefaciens. Host Resistance: We have made significant advancements in the identification of walnut genotypes which exhibit resistance/tolerance to key soil-borne pathogens including Phytophthora, Armillaria (oak root fungus), lesion nematodes and A. tumefaciens. In particular, Texas black walnut (Juglans microcarpa) exhibits elevated resistance In this issue… to several of these pathogens and is being examined for use as a MAP Survives rootstock. Commercially Walnut Thefts available clonal Paradox Health Research rootstocks also are being field tested for crown gall Why the Board and susceptibility. Comission are Important (Continued on pg.2) 2 2 3 4 Industry News 5 Export Update 6 Recipe Contest Winner 6 Domestic Update 7 Upcoming Events & Meetings 8 1 Points to Consider in the Prevention of Crown Gall (Continued) Overall Prevention Strategy: • Limit wounding of plant material We developed a series of suggestions to aid in the battle against crown gall. These include: • Avoid planting too deep and do not mound soil up on newly planted trees • Eliminate exposure of seeds and graft wood to soil prior to planting or grafting/budding • Keep crown dry; Agrobacterium is favored by wet environments • Surface sterilize grafting tools frequently • Limit time between nursery or cold storage pick up and planting and keep planting stock cool and moist prior to planting • Fumigate planting sites with Telone® C-35 or Telone® C-35 followed by Chloropicrin in heavily infested crown gall sites. Daniel Kluepfel USDA-ARS Research Leader, Location Coordinator Crops Pathology and Genetics Research 284 Hutchison Hall Department of Plant Pathology University of California, Davis Davis, CA 95616 Office: 530-752-1137 Market Access Program (MAP) Survives Congressional hearings on the future of the Market Access Program (MAP), part of the 2013 Farm Bill, began earlier this summer. MAP provides $200 million annually for commodity export market development efforts, of which the California Walnut Commission (CWC) is the largest commodity recipient in the state, with funds of approximately $4 million annually. MAP was strongly opposed by some members of Congress including House Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) and Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA). These and some others introduced an amendment to cripple the program during debate on the House floor. Our congressional allies came through and defeated the amendment with a lopsided vote of 322- 98, demonstrating strong bipartisan support for MAP. “Sometimes your opponents give you an opportunity to tell your story that you might not have had otherwise” states Daniel Haley, lobbyist for California Walnut Commission. The walnut industry has been relentless in its support for MAP. Members of the CWC were in Washington in April and met with Congressional officials with three priorities regarding the Farm Bill - MAP, MAP and MAP. “MAP has returned more to our growers and helped the trade balance of the US more than all the other farm bill programs put together”, states Dennis A. Balint, Chief Executive Officer of the California Walnut Commission. Walnuts are now the fourth leading export from the state of California, valued at nearly $1 billion dollars. While MAP has survived for now, it is only the first hurdle. The House narrowly passed the Farm Bill July 11th. The House and Senate will now move to a conference committee to try and work out the differences between the two versions of the bill. The goal is to have a final bill pass before the 2008 Farm Bill expires October 1st, 2013. The industry will remain engaged in the process since shortly thereafter the annual Congressional appropriations process will begin, where agriculture will continue the fight for MAP. Update on Orchard Theft Prevention Ordinances Following a spate of walnut theft from orchards, Tulare County passed an ordinance in 2012 requiring proof of ownership of commodities at the roadside stands and limiting the time gleaners can move in. This year, two more counties have followed suit, Butte and Glenn, with Tehama, Sutter and Colusa expected to pass similar ordinances before the harvest season. Broadly, the ordinances stipulate that: 1. Only roadside stands owned by processors (handlers/hullers) will be permitted during harvest season (as defined by end of Chandler harvest). 2. A proof of ownership of commodity will be required of all road side stands in the form of sales records, receipts and so on. 3. A permission form signed by the grower confirming any sale and transfer of commodity will be required. The CWB/CWC actively supported the passing of these ordinances. Growers may contact the county Ag Commissioner Office for further information. 2 Health Research California Walnut Industry Health Research Program The CWC health research program has grown steadily over the past 20 years beginning with the landmark cardiovascular study published in 1993. As of August 2013, the California Walnut Commission has funded research that has resulted in 98 publications. Carl Cilker, grower and CWC board member shares, “The health research conducted, and that which is ongoing, continues to provide evidence that the nutrition benefits of walnuts make them an important part of a healthy diet.” The health research program and the scientific papers that result play a large role in driving consumer purchase. Market research conducted by the Commission has shown that 8 of 10 walnut purchases are made due to the health benefits. This is a dramatic change from 20 years ago, when the health and consumption link was essentially zero. Over the years Commission funded research has expanded from its initial focus (heart health) to include diabetes, cognition, cancer and weight management. This expansion is in part due to the creation of the CWC Scientific Advisory Council (SAC). Scientific Advisory Council meeting 2013 The SAC was created in 1995 to assist the Commission in strategically planning health research goals and commitments. Researchers and scientists including Dr. Emilio Ros and Dr. Joan Sabate (authors and investigators of the first two CWC funded publications) came together to review and discuss walnut consumption and its role in health promotion and disease prevention. The SAC now meets annually to discuss current research, review new projects and evaluate walnuts as part of various dietary recommendations. In August of 2013, 27 researchers from Germany, Spain, Australia, Korea and the United States convened in southern California to discuss current health research and reflect on two decades of research. Presentations were shared regarding on-going research from Penn State, Loma Linda University, Harvard, Elwha Woman’s University and CHA Universities in Seoul, University of Munich, Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute and Marshall University to name a few. Representation from the International Food Information Council joined the meeting this year and shared recent survey statistics and outcomes of specific interest to the CWC. Recommendations from this illustrious group for the Dietary Guidelines 2015 were reviewed as well as new research regarding antioxidants. The SAC has once again proved itself indispensable in guiding the important CWC health research program. Health Research Publications Here is a brief overview of recently published manuscripts Antioxidant activity comparison of walnuts and fatty fish published in the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand. Ella Haddad, PhD of Loma Linda University, who was the primary investigator for the study, looked at the antioxidant activity comparison of walnuts and fatty fish. Walnuts and fatty fish contain high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which has previously been shown to decrease the incidence of cardiovascular disease. In addition, they also contain other nutrients that may contribute to the reduction of cardiovascular disease. This background information was used as the foundation of this study which suggests that walnuts have a larger antioxidant capacity compared to fatty fish.. Thus, according to the researchers, including walnuts in the daily diet may be beneficial to maintain an antioxidant status in the body. However, due to the limited number of participants (25) ranging from 23-65 years of age who ate a controlled diet which included 1.5 oz of walnuts six times of week, additional research is required before applying to a larger population. Cancer Investigations published A walnut-enriched diet reduces initiation and progression of LNCaP human prostate cancer xenografts in nude mice. As described by the journal, “researchers at the UT Health Science Center injected immune-deficient mice with human prostate cancer cells. Within three to four weeks, tumors typically start to grow in a large number of these mice. The study asked whether a walnut-enriched diet versus a non-walnut diet would be associated with reduced cancer formation. A previous study found this to be true for breast cancer. Three of 16 mice (18 percent) eating the walnut-enriched diet developed prostate tumors, compared with 14 of 32 mice (44 percent) on the nonwalnut control diet. Also of note, the final average tumor size in the walnut-fed animals was roughly one-fourth the average size of the prostate tumors that developed in the mice eating the control diet. Russ Reiter PhD of The UT Health Science Center was the author and primary investigator for this paper. Please note, results from animal studies are used as background and to formulate hypotheses for other studies, and should not imply a change in human behavior based on this research The Journal of the American College of Nutrition published, Effects of walnuts on endothelial function in overweight adults with at least one factor of metabolic syndrome. Dr. David Katz, director of the Yale Griffin Preventive Research Center and the principal investigator of the study found convincing evidence that consuming walnuts may help protect against heart disease. His group studied the effects of consuming two ounces of walnuts per day over eight weeks and found a significant improvement in blood vessel function (endothelial function) among adults who were overweight and at risk for developing heart disease or type 2 diabetes. Please note, due to the homogeneity of the participants, the findings cannot be generalized to the general consumer, and due to the length of the study it is unknown whether the findings would be similar in longer trials. 3 Why the Board and Commission are Important to the California Walnut Industry By Dr. Jerome Siebert Since the 1970s when I was first appointed to the California Walnut Board as a public member alternate, I have observed many changes that have taken place in the California walnut industry. These changes have taken place with relative calm and stability and have benefited both growers and handlers. One of the major changes to take place has been the increase in acres of walnuts planted and the size of the crop that must be marketed on an annual basis. One can logically ask what does a federal marketing order and state commission have to do with promoting stability and growth in an industry. The answer is “a lot!” The California Walnut Board (CWB) was established in 1948 to represent the walnut growers and handlers of California. The Board is a successor of an organization that began some 15 years earlier, the Walnut Control Board, which was designed to organize our industry into a cohesive unit. Compared to many other commodities that are grown in California, the walnut industry has been one that has worked together to overcome problems and challenges and provide a significant optimistic outlook for the orderly marketing of and increasing volume. Key to the success of an orderly marketing program has been the establishment of the California Walnut Commission (CWC) which was formed in 1987 to take advantage of the newly founded Trade Export Assistance program (TEA), a federal grant program which was the predecessor to MAP (Market Access Program). The TEA program was a great opportunity for specialty crops thus, with the passage of Assembly Bill 547 and a subsequent grower referendum in which 89% of those voting endorsed it, the CWC was formed. Together, the CWC and CWB have formed a team that has benefitted both growers and handlers by promoting stability and introduction of market expansion opportunities. When the CWB was first conceived, it was to help the farmers maintain stable farm supply through volume control. The industry came together and provided a method for stabilizing what could have been a volatile market for a small specialty crop. Today, the CWB can still exercise volume control but it has chosen with the assistance of the CWC to promote market expansion to accommodate an ever increasing production. It also continues to provide stability through its establishment of food safety, grades and standards, and production research. Production research has been a key component to the growth of the entire industry resulting in achievements such as new cultivars like the Tulare, the Howard, and the Chandler which are the top three varieties from the breeding program, new rootstocks like the nematode tolerant Paradox, and higher density plantings. Through food safety and grades and standards the Board has improved production practices creating a product known throughout the world for the highest quality. All these achievements have helped the growers produce more and better walnuts. Initially, the focus of the CWC was to increase demand in key export markets through the TEA program. In 1985, little more than 20% of the walnut crop was exported. Today nearly 60% of the crop finds 4 its way into the export market. Increased demand overseas has led to all time high prices as well. New market access and development has been an important achievement of the CWC as well. By educating government officials, the CWC has been able to influence trade policies that benefit the industry such as opening new markets (India) and sustaining markets like Japan and Korea. While the CWC still strives to increase consumption in these markets, increase in demand is fueled largely by another unique CWC activity, health research. Over 95 studies supported by the CWC have been published. This health research earned walnuts the first whole food qualified health claim from the FDA, the AHA Heart-Check mark, and the only nut specific health claim for blood flow from the European Union. These studies are promoted here in the U.S. and in our export markets driving awareness which leads to increased demand. In some markets over 50% of the public relations media coverage about walnuts is health related. Prior to the health research program, market research in the US showed that few consumers liked walnuts for their health benefits. In 2011, attitude and research studies showed that health is the #1 reason consumers buy walnuts. Additionally, 61% of consumers report buying more walnuts than they did 5 years ago because of the health benefits. The CWB and CWC have different roles in the industry, but they both work in concert with other to promote the same goals: to increase economic demand for California walnuts and to make it the most efficient and competitive one in the world thus ensuring its long run viability and success..Through core activities such as production research, food safety, export market development and health research, the CWC and CWB work together to create a perfect storm of industry growth. Higher yields per tree and per acre, increased demand from new and existing markets and a reputation for the highest quality have resulted staggering growth anda crop worth over $1billion in farm gate value. The relative low amount of investment to fund the activities and programs of both the CWB and CWC have borne significant benefits for producers and handlers and have provided a significant element of stability and growth for the industry. Their programs are most deserving of continued support from producers and handlers for long term sustainable benefits. Photos Courtesy of Diamond Foods, Inc. Do you have a story to share? As part of our new social media strategy for Fall, we want to tell stories that inspire, connect and educate our online communities about the rich history of the California Walnut industry. And who better to tell that story than you? A few ideas for stories might include: • When and why you or your family started farming walnuts • How the industry changed since you or your forefathers started • The challenges and the joys of the job • Your favorite memories from the orchard And, of course, we’d also like to know if your family has a favorite walnut recipe! Please send your stories and photographs, old and new, to [email protected] and don’t forget to tell us who or what is in the image. California Walnut Ties Now Available Show your industry pride by sporting a custom walnut tie at your next meeting. These lovely ties are made from the finest quality materials and feature an embroidered walnut both inshell and shelled. The ties come in light blue with dark blue embroidery or dark blue with light blue embroidery. Burgundy ties are coming soon. Visit the website today to purchase your very own walnut tie. Visit the Industry section for more information. www.walnuts.org Dr. Ros Receives Distinguished Service Award Dr. Emilio Ros, Director of the Lipid Clinic, Endocrinology & Nutrition Service at Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, received the Distinguished Service Award for his work on the landmark PREDIMED project, a long-term nutritional intervention study aimed to assess the efficacy of the Mediterranean diet in the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The award was presented at the Scientific Advisory Council Meeting. Dr. Ros has been instrumental in the success of the California Walnut Commission health research program. In addition to the PREDMIED study Ros has published numerous papers studies on the effects of walnut consumption and the promotion of health as well as review papers on walnuts as part of a healthy lifestyle. Congratulations Dr. Ros for an award well deserved! Dennis A. Balint (left) and Jack Mariani (right) award Dr. Ros (center) with a distinguished service award. 5 Export Update EXPORT UPDATE New Advertising Campaigns Launching in Spain and South Korea The CWC began a new advertising campaign in Spain designed to highlight the versatility of walnuts. The campaign will run in local supermarkets with advertising wrapping in-store security alarms, ads on shopping carts, and in-store banners as well as on key sites online. The ad creative shows different ways to use walnuts in a variety of recipes such as salads, entrées, and desserts, with the headline “OH! Discover the Spiced Rum Sugared Walnuts difference” on a gingham background, evoking the idea of a fresh meal idea that is unique and exceptional. In South Korea the CWC developed an ad campaign which focuses on making the right and healthy choice for the ones you love. Two different ads with this same theme target the primary shopper in the family, mom, and the second targets young single adults. The campaign shows pictures either posted on the refrigerator or in picture frames of various family members with the message that choosing the very best means choosing California walnuts. The campaign will be running on bus billboards, subway train door screens, bus shelters, and in select print magazines. The ads will also be featured in the Busan subway station. Winner of the Industry Recipe Contest The California Walnut Commission received a number of delicious sounding recipes from our Industry members during the recipe contest this summer. We are pleased to announce that the winner of the Industry recipe contest is Winfred Tozier from Tozier Ranch for Spiced Rum Sugared Walnuts. He will be receiving a $500 American Express gift card. Winfred said his inspiration for the recipe came from watching the Food Network. He took a recipe he saw on TV and began to play with it, adding the rum and adjusting the cooking time and temperature until it came out perfect. Runners up from the contest are Judith Giesbrecht for Ranch Seasoned Walnuts and Elaine Fiser for Grandpa’s Walnut Cake. All three recipes will be posted on walnuts.org. INGREDIENTS • • • • • • 1 cube real butter 1 ¼ cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper ¼ to ½ cup spiced rum 3 to 4 cups walnuts INSTRUCTIONS Spiced Rum Sugared Walnuts are a simple, quick appetizer that will please any crowd. Winning recipe developed by Winfred Tozier from Tozier Ranch. YIELD: 3-4 CUPS OF WALNUTS | COOK TIME: 30 MINUTES 6 Melt butter, brown sugar and pepper seasonings in a pot, mixture will be thick. Remove from heat. Add rum, mixing well to thin consistency. Using a wooden spoon, add walnuts, stirring until all walnuts are thoroughly coated with mixture. Spread walnuts onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 250 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool walnuts and enjoy! New U.S. Attitude & Usage Study Shows Opportunity for California Walnuts The California Walnut Board conducted a new attitude and usage study this year that for the first time evaluated different user groups. Working with Rose Research, the study research assessed 2500 participants broken into groups of 500 based on their purchase frequency: heavy users (6+ times/year), medium users (4-5 times/year), light users (1-3 times/year), and non-users of walnuts who currently consume other nuts. Those four groups were made up of women and the fifth segment was made up of men. Not surprisingly, the research showed that heavy users are more likely to view walnuts as versatile and convenient and are more aware of the health benefits. Continuing to educate on these three attributes is key to increasing consumption. Here are some of the highlights of the report: Health 56% Awareness of walnuts as a source of omega-3 was the highest ever with 56% of respondents aware. OMEGA-3 85% of consumers believe that walnuts are a nutritious food. This is on par with 2009, but the majority of responses this year moved from the “very nutritious” to “extremely nutritious” category. 85% “EXTREMELY NUTRITIOUS” 68% 30% 22% TYPE 2 DIABETES CANCER COGNITION Although consumers have long been aware of the heart health1 benefits of walnuts, we saw significant increases in awareness of the positive research on walnuts. 7 in10 When asked about the American Heart Association Heart-Check mark, nearly 7 in 10 consumers would be more likely to buy walnuts if the mark was on the package. One ounce of walnuts provides 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13g of polyunsaturated fat, including 2.5g of alpha-linolenic acid, the plant-based omega-3. 1 Versatility & Use Versatility is an important message to convince consumers that walnuts are not only VS great for baking, but can USERS NON-USERS be used in a variety of ways in all meal parts. Not surprisingly, the BELIEVE IN WALNUT VERSATILITY heaviest users are more likely to perceive walnuts as versatile (83%) while non-users are less likely to say that (48%). 83% 48% The top four uses for walnuts were the same across all user groups and were 1) Baking, 2) Snacking, 3) Desserts, and 4) Salads. When asked if they would buy walnuts if they were shopping and walnuts were available at a reasonable price, 49% of non-users and 71% of users said that they would. The top motivator for purchasing walnuts more often was price. However, secondary motivators include “if I knew more quick and easy everyday recipes that included walnuts”, “if they were available in snack-sized packages,” “if I knew more about their health benefits”, and “if I knew ways to serve them.” Non-Users Non-users (who were other nut purchasers) were an important part of the research to determine if there is opportunity to market to that group. The study found that 3 in 10 of the respondents didn’t purchase because walnuts are not top-of-mind. Taste is not a limiting factor in marketing to this group. Non-users are still receiving the health message with 67% of non-users believing walnuts are nutritious. Although this group had not purchased walnuts in the past year, almost all of them had previously used walnuts in some manner. Additionally, they were willing to use walnuts in different types of dishes including baked goods, muffins, trail mix, snack foods, breads, desserts, salads, cereal and ice cream. This leads us to believe that in addition to the health message, it’s important to continue to educate on how to use walnuts beyond seasonal baking. Conclusion The study found that walnut purchasing incidence is only 35%. The existing program has done a great job of building loyalty with consumers, however there is clearly opportunity to increase California Walnut usage in the domestic market. This research was the first step in the process of developing new creative for a domestic print campaign that will target these light and non-users in the 2013 crop year. A budget level of $2 million for the national print campaign is considered a test to see how effective the campaign is with this target group. Other nut boards spend approximately ten times as much on advertising alone, so it will be important to invest in order to develop this segment of users. It will be a tougher audience to reach and one that will require more effort, but will ultimately pay off. 7 California Walnut Commission 101 Parkshore Drive, Suite 250 Folsom, CA 95630 California Walnuts will be exhibiting at the following events: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 Tree & Vine Expo Stanislaus County Fairgrounds Turlock, CA THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013 Grape, Raisin and Nut Expo Fresno Fairgrounds Fresno, CA DECEMBER 7-11, 2013 California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting Monterey, CA Industry Meeting SAVE THE DATE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014 California Walnut Board and California Walnut Commission Annual Winter Meeting Silverado Resort & Spa 1600 Atlas Peak Rd, Napa, CA Contact Information California Walnut Commission and California Walnut Board 101 Parkshore Drive, Suite 250 Folsom, CA 95630 phone: (916) 932-7070 email: [email protected] fax: (916) 932-7071 www.walnuts.org Non-Discrimination Statement In accordance with USDA, the California Walnut Board and California Walnut Commission prohibit discrimination in all programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). California Walnut Board and California Walnut Commission are equal opportunity employers and providers. 8