A government crop report notes that almonds are nearing their bloom. This, as early plums, apricots, cherries and peaches have already started to bloom because of earlier warm weather.
The blossoms will be visible through this month and bees will also begin pollinating the crops. Rain during bloom can slow the bees, and can require farmers to protect their trees from moisture-related disease.
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The fight to keep the European Grapevine Moth from damaging California vineyards is showing progress.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture says moth quarantines will be lifted in Fresno, Mendocino, Merced and San Joaquin Counties. They say farmers and residents in those counties will now have greater freedom to transport grapes and other farm products.
Quarantines are designed to keep a damaging pest from spreading, and will be lifted in areas where the moth has been eradicated.
