Through the rural extension program of SADER Jalisco, nut farmers in Amacueca will receive specially grafted walnut trees and focused treatments of pest control.
The walnut orchards in the Lagunas region being of significant value, the Jalisco Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER,) has begun a promotion project to improve the production of this crop, a nut that has a deep-rooted tradition in the region and of great commercial appeal for producers.
The head of the agency, Salvador Álvarez García, pointed out that the project is basically focused on three aspects; most efficient use of irrigation water, replacing previously used varieties for more suitable grafted trees, and to protect the trees from predatory pests, such as beetles and mites, in an environmentally friendly way.
The state official added that at this time this project is being applied in the municipality of Amacueca, through the Rural Extension Program paid with funds provided by the state treasury.
Extension agent Ismael Hernández stressed that adequate supply and efficient use of water is the determining point, since without a regular and sufficient application of water, there will not be a significant walnut crop.
Hernández added that the change of varieties in trees is due to the fact that very tall trees are no longer recommended because of a lack of available labor in the field, and shorter trees are much easier to manage and harvest allowing for fewer workers. SADER Jalisco nurseries are carrying out the production of grafted trees toward the gradual change from the native walnut trees to this new, shorter variety.
The agronomist also highlighted that specific agrochemical treatments have begun to be applied to combat pests such as beetles and mites, which could cause the death of many trees. A method of minimal environmental impact is used, in which a perforation is made in the stems of the trees where the insecticides are then applied, using the sap of the trees to deliver the insecticides to the unwanted insects.