Citrus bloom period in the San Joaquin Valley of California is set to begin, putting in effect regulations covering citrus/bee protection areas.

Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner Les Wright has set 1 a.m. March 18 as the beginning of bloom period for Districts 1 and 2.

District 1 is bordered on the south by Belmont Avenue, on the west by Academy, the east by Crawford and on the north by the San Joaquin River.

District 2 is everything west of Madera Avenue.

All citrus growers, pest control operators, and beekeepers must comply with the regulations covering the citrus/bee protection areas (California Code of Regulations Sections 6654 and 6656).

In part, the regulations establish a citrus/bee protection area within one mile of any citrus planting of an acre or more in Fresno, Kern and Tulare counties.

Announcements from other citrus growing counties will be made shortly.

It is important that growers, PCAs and beekeepers know when the bloom period starts in their areas and comply with all regulations.

Contact your local county agricultural commissioner’s office for more information on start and stop dates for citrus/bee protection districts.