The nonpareil almond, favored for its consistent color and sweet taste, accounts for nearly 40% of California's almond production, according to the Almond Board of California. However, its cultivation requires pollinator trees and bees, leading to increased costs and complexities for growers. Thomas Gradziel, a geneticist at UC Davis, highlights the challenges of relying on pollinizer trees and bees, especially with rising bee mortality rates.
In response, two laboratories are exploring solutions with the development of self-pollinating nonpareil varieties. Ohalo Genetics, based in Aptos, aims to initiate nursery trials for its FruitionOne this year, with limited availability by 2026. Burchell Nursery plans informational town halls regarding its Nonpareil+ in early 2024. John Dombrosky, Ohalo's chief commercial officer, explains the approach as "speed breeding," enhancing selective breeding processes without introducing new DNA.
California, producing 80% of the world's almond supply, saw its 2023 crop valued at $3.88 billion. The almond industry continually seeks innovations to improve efficiency. Dombrosky emphasizes the potential economic benefits of self-pollinating varieties, which could double yield efficiencies and reduce environmental impact.
Bee dependency poses risks due to fragile bee populations and colony collapse disorder. Gradziel notes that California's almond orchards require 2 million beehives, highlighting the industry's reliance on bees. The Almond Board of California is monitoring developments in self-pollinating varieties, recognizing the industry's history of adapting farming techniques.
While self-pollinating almonds like the Independence variety exist, widespread adoption of new varieties takes time. Mark Turmon of Sierra Valley Almonds notes growers' hesitance with untested varieties. Long-term testing is crucial, as almond trees have a lifecycle of 25 years. Dombrosky acknowledges that adoption may be gradual but remains confident in the potential of self-pollinating nonpareil clones.
Ohalo collaborates with Sierra Gold Nurseries for distribution, planning test plots, and preorders by 2026. The focus extends beyond initial generations, with ongoing research into environmental efficiencies. The first adopters will likely be growers willing to experiment with new approaches, as Dombrosky emphasizes the long-term perspective required for almond cultivation.
Source: GWire