About
FloraPulse
Retire the pressure chamber, know exactly when to irrigate, increase crop yield and quality.
FloraPulse began in the orchards and vineyards of growers.
Since the 1970’s, Alan Lakso, professor of Horticulture at Cornell, had been dragging around the heavy, manual pressure chamber to measure and manage water stress in apple trees and grapevines. Alan was documenting the levels of water stress and their effect on fruit growth and quality. Back then, winegrape growers understood that water stress was important to wine quality, but only had the pressure chamber to measure it.
Why FloraPulse?
Anthracnose California
Causes of Anthracnose in California
Anthracnose is a common plant disease that significantly affects agricultural production in California. As an organization dedicated to improving agricultural practices through precise irrigation management, we at FloraPulse recognize the importance of understanding the causes behind this pervasive issue. Anthracnose is typically caused by a range of fungal pathogens that thrive in warm, humid conditions, which are often exacerbated by California’s diverse climate. The fungi responsible for anthracnose can survive in plant debris or soil, spreading through rain splashes, irrigation water, and even on the machinery used in orchards and vineyards.
Symptoms of Anthracnose Infection in California
Identifying the symptoms of anthracnose is crucial for timely intervention and management. In California, the disease manifests through several symptoms, including dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and fruit. These lesions often lead to defoliation in severe cases, impacting the plant’s ability to photosynthesize efficiently. Furthermore, infected fruits may exhibit concentric rings or rot, severely diminishing their quality and market value.
Management Strategies for Anthracnose in California
Managing anthracnose in California requires an integrated approach involving both cultural and chemical strategies. From our perspective at FloraPulse, monitoring water stress and optimizing irrigation are essential steps in creating an environment less conducive to fungal growth. We encourage growers to implement good sanitation practices, such as removing infected plant debris and ensuring adequate airflow through pruning. Chemical control, including the judicious use of fungicides, can be effective but should be applied based on precise timing and monitoring data to reduce reliance on chemical interventions.
Impact of Anthracnose on California Agriculture
Anthracnose poses a significant threat to California’s agriculture, affecting a variety of crops, including wine grapes, almonds, and citrus. The disease can lead to substantial yield losses and increased production costs. Preventive measures and timely management are crucial to mitigate these impacts. As industry experts, we contribute to these efforts by providing data-driven insights that help growers make informed decisions about irrigation and disease management, directly impacting the health and productivity of their crops.
Anthracnose-Resistant Plant Varieties in California
Developing and planting anthracnose-resistant varieties is a viable long-term strategy for minimizing the impact of this disease. Research efforts in California have focused on breeding resistant cultivars, especially in high-value crops like wine grapes and almonds. By collaborating with plant breeders and researchers, we at FloraPulse support initiatives to identify and promote the cultivation of resistant varieties, which offer growers a sustainable solution to combat anthracnose.
Research on Anthracnose Control in California
Ongoing research in California is vital for developing innovative solutions to control anthracnose. Studies funded by institutions such as the NSF and USDA have explored various techniques, including biological controls and precision farming practices. Our technology at FloraPulse plays a critical role in these research efforts by providing accurate, real-time data on plant water stress, a key factor influencing the prevalence and severity of anthracnose outbreaks. This data not only aids in current research but also assists growers in implementing effective management strategies.
Anthracnose Outbreak Trends in California
Over the years, anthracnose outbreaks in California have shown variability due to changes in climatic conditions and agricultural practices. We have noticed certain trends, such as increased prevalence during wetter years and in regions with poor drainage. By analyzing these trends, we help growers anticipate potential outbreaks and adjust their irrigation management practices accordingly. Our tools and reports offer a comprehensive overview of water stress history, aiding in proactive management decisions.
Economic Implications of Anthracnose in California
The economic impact of anthracnose in California cannot be underestimated. The disease leads to reduced marketable yields and increased costs associated with management and treatment. This situation poses a significant challenge for growers striving to maintain profitability while ensuring sustainable practices. At FloraPulse, we aim to alleviate some of these economic burdens by providing precise irrigation management solutions that not only improve water use efficiency but also reduce the disease incidence, ultimately preserving crop quality and yield potential.
In conclusion, anthracnose presents a formidable challenge for California’s agriculture, but through innovative technology and data-driven insights, we at FloraPulse are committed to helping growers navigate this challenge. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and economic implications, along with implementing effective management strategies and supporting resistance breeding, we strive to contribute to the sustainability and success of the agricultural community in California.
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How It Works
How It Works
The FloraPulse system is a microchip tensiometer (microtensiometer) that is embedded into the tree woody tissue and directly measures the water status, known as water potential. Because the measurement is taken directly inside the water-carrying tissue, readings are very accurate and reliable. You receive daily midday stem water potential readings, along with science-backed irrigation recommendations.
Weekly Reports
Receive weekly reports on your crop’s water-stress history, color-coded by stress level. Use clear, detailed data to adjust your irrigation and get that perfect vintage, that perfect yield. Every year.
Scientific Validation
The sensor data has been validated against the Scholander chamber with good correlation in prune, almond, winegrape (and others).
Technology Backers
Our technology has been funded by the NSF and USDA, and was originally developed at Cornell University.
What is FloraPulse?
The most accurate way to irrigate.
Customer Testimonials
“We were extremely happy with the FloraPulse system we tested in our prune orchard this year. We found that the FloraPulse readings correlated very well with our pressure bomb readings…
Michael Vasey
Lindauer River Ranch
Red Bluff, California
“I am very happy with the FloraPulse unit. I grow a rare mango crop, in a desert environment with extremely high summer temperatures, in alluvium soil that has very limited…
Rod Chamberlain
Wong Farms
Mecca, California