AgHub - Trical Group

Chad Hutchinson speaks at the Potato Expo 2026

TriCal Group's Chad Hutchinson said he was honored to join a panel on potato quality at Potato Expo 2026 alongside Jeff Douglas and Aimee Nielson. They discussed why marketable yield is the real metric that matters, and how managing quality requires a systems view—from genetics and moisture management to soil pH, biology, and targeted chemistry.

Why California Agriculture is Losing Ground

California feeds the country—and much of the world—but doing so is becoming increasingly difficult. Recently, on AgNet West Radio Network's Ag Meter, host Nick joined Damian Mason to dig into why America’s leading agricultural state is struggling to sustain and protect its growers.

Honoring Steve Koike

As Steve Koike enters retirement, we’re honored to spotlight his lasting impact on plant pathology. The TriCal blog highlights Steve’s decades of leadership, service, and contributions to the agricultural community, including his time with UC Cooperative Extension and TriCal Diagnostics.

Greenhouse Capsicum Trial on the Adelaide Plains

A greenhouse capsicum trial on the Adelaide Plains evaluated the effectiveness of pre-plant soil fumigation with Strike 60 for managing Root Knot Nematodes and improving crop performance. Weekly soil testing was conducted to measure nematode suppression and crop response under controlled greenhouse conditions.

California Faces an Average of 9 New Invasive Species Each Year

California faces an average of 9 new invasive species each year, living below the soil surface, quietly impacting crops long before problems become visible. As part of a broader soil health strategy, soil fumigation can help manage certain soil-borne pest pressures.

Stronger Root Development, Improved Crop Quality

Strike pre-plant soil fumigation reduces soil-borne disease while supporting beneficial soil micro-organisms, creating a healthier soil environment for crop establishment. The result is stronger root development, improved crop quality, and increased marketable yield, along with greater input efficiency and reduced rotation pressure.

TriCal Almond Replant Research: The Importance of Fumigation for Growers

Nematodes can severely impact almond orchards in California, especially in replant situations where Prunus Replant Disorder affects up to 60% of plantings. Soil fumigation helps reduce nematodes, promote root development, and support long-term orchard performance.

How To Suppress Soil Pest and Disease Levels in Cucumbers to Below Economic Damage

Cucumbers are highly susceptible to soil-borne pests and diseases, with even moderate levels capable of causing significant economic loss. Effective soil management prior to planting is critical to protecting yield and quality.