Last week brought a welcome round of rain to Ventura County and parts of the central and southern avocado-growing regions. While the amounts varied, the timing and early-season moisture provide significant benefits heading into winter. These early storms help stabilize orchard conditions and lay the groundwork for a stronger 2026 crop.

Early rains bring immediate benefits

Recent rains have provided several important advantages for producers:

- Soil moisture recharge: Trees begin winter with improved moisture profiles, reducing the demand for early irrigation, which is a welcome relief given pumping restrictions and reporting requirements from agencies such as Fox Canyon.

- Leaching of salts and improvement of the root zone: Rain helps to eliminate salts accumulated below the root zone, improving soil structure and reducing stress on trees, especially in orchards that depend on wells with high salinity.

- Better base for flowering and fruit set: Trees that enter winter with adequate moisture tend to show stronger flowering in spring, better retention, and more uniform size.

Winds: a significant short-term risk

In addition to rain, Santa Ana wind events remain a critical factor to consider. Wind affects avocado orchards in several ways:

- Fruit drop: Strong winds can knock down developing fruit, especially in orchards with a high early fruit set.

- Branch breakage: Old wood and exposed rows are more vulnerable during strong gusts.

- Dehydration and leaf burning: Dry winds quickly remove moisture from the foliage, even when soil moisture is adequate.

- Impact on flowering: Wind during flowering or early fruit set can significantly reduce retention.

The next few weeks will be important, as storms alternate with wind-driven heat waves. How the trees withstand this cycle will influence fruit load and vigor early in the 2026 season.

Tips for producers: Key management steps

1. Orchard Inspection after the Rain:

- Monitor drainage and correct areas of standing water.

- Keep the mulch rings in place for air circulation and trunk protection.

- Look for erosion or block landslides on the slope.

2. Preparation for wind events: - Water before the expected Santa Ana winds to reduce dehydration stress.

- Remove weak or dead branches that are prone to breakage.

- Stake young or exposed trees. - Clear access roads to the orchard for service and emergency entry.

3. Time for fertilizing and nourishing the garden:

- Use upcoming rain windows for pre-storm nutrient applications.

- Prioritize nitrogen, potassium, and calcium for trees.

- Conduct soil analysis before winter storms to adjust nutrient plans for early 2026.

4. Monitoring of pests and diseases:

- Be alert to the increasing pressure of root rot in humid conditions.

- After wind events, inspect for mites and thrips, which attack stressed leaves.

5. Irrigation system maintenance: - Winter is the ideal time to repair irrigation lines, heads and filters.

- Inspect wells and pumps, especially in districts with stricter supervision.

- Protect remote valves and electrical panels before cold nights.

6. Foliage Management:

- Light structural pruning can reduce wind load and strengthen the tree's architecture.

- Delay heavy pruning until closer to flowering, unless wind damage necessitates earlier cuts.

Perspectives

Early storms, along with encouraging bloom reports, provide a positive start heading into winter. If the rains continue and wind pressure remains manageable, growers could see improved tree health, enhanced nutrient uptake, and a more uniform start to the 2026 California avocado crop.

California's advantage remains clear: quality, proximity and responsible production, and the first signs point to a more favorable year ahead.

Gary Clevenger Freska Produce International, LLC gary@freskaproduce.com