Todd Fitchette
From left, Dave Wlson President/CEO Bill Reid; Grant Zaiger, geneticist, Zaiger s Genetics; Rachelle Antinetti, vice president of operations, Dave Wilson Nursery; Jereme Fromm, vice president of sales, Dave Wilson Nursery. Dave Wilson Nursery taking orders now for Liberty variety almond created by Zaiger s Genetics
Suggested Event
Jun 15, 2021 to Jun 17, 2021
There seems to be a theme with the naming of a second self-fertile almond variety soon to be available from Dave Wilson Nursery in Modesto, Calif. In each case, the Independence variety, and the new Liberty almond seek to liberate almond growers from the need for honeybees during the late-winter pollination period.
Growers can now order the new self-fertile almond tree marketed by Dave Wilson Nursery in California.
The Liberty almond follows development of the Independence tree several years ago by Zaiger s Genetics of Modesto, Calif. Testing of the new tree reveals it can produce without honeybees.
The tree can be shaped to be more upright than the Independence, according to Grant Zaiger, geneticist with Zaiger s. It is ready for harvest 10-14 days after the Nonpareil almond.
View the complete story on the new Liberty tree here.
 The San Joaquin Valley is the most important area in the state for production of tree fruit and nut crops like almond, apple, cherry, chestnut, fig, kiwifruit, loquat, nectarine, olive, peach, pear, pecan, persimmon, pistachio, plum, pomegranate, prune, quince, and English and black walnut.
 What s important for growing fruit and nut trees in the valley? It s the soil, water, and the summer and winter weather. This relatively flat region is blessed with some of the best soils in the world. For the most part the soil is made up of alluvial deposits from several California rivers: Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Merced, Fresno, San Joaquin, Kings, Kern, and Kaweah. Maximum temperatures average 104° F in summer but day and night averages even out to 84 degrees. Winter lows average 45°, but the the last few years serves as a reminder that the temperature can fluctuate widely.