About the Experts

Professor Louise Ferguson
Professor of Cooperative Extension at UC Davis with pistachio research experience dating back to 1984. Her work spans pistachios, olives, citrus, persimmons, figs, and pomegranates. Co-Technical Editor of the Pistachio Production Manual and recipient of the Outstanding Extension Educator Award from the American Society for Horticultural Science. Widely recognised for her practical, grower-focused approach to horticultural research. Retiring mid-2026.

Dr Giulia Marino
UC Davis faculty member based at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Centre, and Louise's successor. Research expertise includes irrigation management, cultivar characterisation, alternate bearing, carbon dynamics, and dormancy research (primarily in cherry, expanding to pistachios). Recently appointed to a UC Presidential Chair for tree nuts, reflecting her growing international reputation.

David R. Haviland
Entomology Farm Advisor with UC Cooperative Extension for 23 years, affiliated with the UC Statewide IPM Program. Develops and disseminates integrated pest management information across all commodities in California's southern San Joaquin Valley, including pistachios. Has delivered over 900 presentations on pest management and serves as co-Technical Editor of the UC Pistachio Production Manual. Recipient of awards from seven state, national, and international organisations for his IPM work.

Why This Matters for Australian Growers

California's pistachio industry faces the same challenges as Australian growers—water scarcity, variable growing conditions, and the constant pressure to maintain profitability in competitive global markets.

The UC Davis pistachio courses and the Pistachio Production Manual authored by Professor Louise Ferguson have been instrumental in shaping the global pistachio industry. Many of Australia's leading growers and scientists have previously travelled to California to access this expertise and consistently recommend the UC Davis training.

Now this world-class knowledge is coming to Australia—financially supported by the Pistachio Growers' Association and Hort Innovation—at a fraction of international costs. Whether you're new to pistachio production or an experienced grower looking to refine your practices, this master class offers comprehensive knowledge adapted to Australian conditions, networking with 50+ industry participants, and direct access to the researchers who wrote the book on pistachio production.

What You'll Learn

State of the Industry – Professor Louise Ferguson
Global and regional pistachio production trends, market dynamics, and emerging opportunities.

Botany & Physiology of Pistachio Trees – Dr Giulia Marino
Understanding pistachio phenology, growth patterns, and identifying optimal harvest timing to maximise quality and yield.

Budding, Planting & Young Tree Training – Professor Louise Ferguson
Modern orchard establishment practices. Budded trees are now readily available in Australia, with Modified Central Leader (MCL) the dominant training system for the past decade. Discussion of emerging unpruned tree trials.

Pistachio Canopy Management & Effect on Yield – Professor Louise Ferguson
Mechanical pruning strategies, managing alternate bearing cycles, and optimising canopy structure for consistent, high-quality production.

Aflatoxin & its Biocontrol – Professor Louise Ferguson
Understanding aflatoxin risk factors and implementing proven biocontrol strategies to protect crop quality and market access.

Weed Management – Dr Giulia Marino
Integrated weed control strategies designed for pistachio orchard systems.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – David R. Haviland
Comprehensive pest management strategies covering:

Beetles (Carpophilus spp.)
Worms (Carob moth, Helicoverpa, Light Brown Apple Moth)
Small and large bugs (including stink bugs and Brown Marmorated Stink Bug)
Elephant weevil, birds, and rodents

Pistachio Irrigation – Dr Giulia Marino
Advanced irrigation management techniques, tree water status indicators, and maximising water use efficiency under constrained conditions.

Pistachio Nutrition – Professor Louise Ferguson & Dr Giulia Marino
Comprehensive macro and micronutrient management for optimal tree health, productivity, and nut quality.

Fungal Disease in Pistachio – Dr Giulia Marino
Managing key diseases including Anthracnose and Botryosphaeria in Australian environmental conditions.

Special Issues – Interactive Discussion
Open forum addressing critical industry topics including pollination strategies, yield estimation, dieback management, blank nuts, internal kernel damage, and emerging technologies transforming pistachio production.

Optional Networking Dinner

Join fellow growers and the UC Davis experts for an informal networking dinner on Wednesday night, December 3rd. This is your opportunity to connect with industry colleagues, share experiences, and continue conversations with Professor Ferguson, Dr Marino, and David Haviland in a relaxed setting. Separate ticket required.

Optional Field Visit

Following the class-based learning, participants can opt in to join the UC Davis experts for a practical field day at Robinvale. Visit CMV Farms to see commercial pistachio operations first hand and tour the APPC Processing Plant to understand post-harvest handling and quality control. This is your opportunity to see research principles applied in real-world settings and engage directly with the experts on-site. Separate ticket required, Bus and Lunch Included.