Valent U.S.A. Corporation recently received label registration from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation for its ReTain plant growth regulator.

The product is labeled for almonds as a means to help improve nut set potential.

ReTain extends the viability of almond blooms by giving more opportunity for pollination. The naturally-occurring active ingredient in ReTain works by reducing ethylene production in almond blossoms and delaying flower and stigmatic senescence.

This effect results in longer flower viability, which allows more time for pollination to occur. Field studies demonstrated that ReTain extends the life of an almond bloom by 43 percent over untreated trees.

Commercial trials on more than 30 California sites from 2014 to 2016 demonstrated that almond trees treated with ReTain consistently displayed increased nut set and yield on varieties tested. On average, the 2014 to 2016 trials on Nonpareils increased yield by 185 pounds of nuts per acre compared to untreated trees for a 7 percent increase.

ReTain can be applied between 10 percent and full bloom; however, the recommended application timing is between 30-60 percent bloom. ReTain offers an easy-to-use rate of one water-soluble pouch per acre and is best applied via air blast sprayer to maximize the application window.

For more information on ReTain for almonds, visit valent.com/ReTainCA or contact your local Valent sales representative.

Valent U.S.A. Corporation is headquartered in Walnut Creek, Calif.