TABLE VII
Average Prices per Pound Paid Growers for all Unshelled Almonds for the Years 1910 to 1916, Inclusive
| Year | Price per pound, cents | California crop, tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 12.0 | 3,300 |
| 1911 | 13.5 | 1,450 |
| 1912 | 11.0 | 3,000 |
| 1913 | 15.5 | 1,100 |
| 1914 | 14.05 | 2,250 |
| 1915 | 10.75 | 3,500 |
| 1916 | 13.97 | 3,400 |
| Average | 13.09 | 2,571.4 |
The relation of yields, returns and profits from the growers’ standpoint is one which every person must consider before entering the business. In view of the extravagant claims which have been made as to the enormous profits realized by the average grower, the figures in [tables II to VIII] have been worked out and presented here. The summation of the relation of yields, returns and cost of production to the profits for the average grower of almonds is shown in [table VIII].
TABLE VIII
Relation of Average Yields, Costs and Returns, to Profits
| Average yield per acre | 700 pounds | |
| Average returns to grower per acre | $97.30 | |
| Average cost of production per acre | 76.25 | |
| Average profit per acre | $21.05 |
Depreciation on buildings and trees, and other unfigured costs, are too variable to estimate, but they must come from these profits.
DISEASES
Crown Gall.—Also commonly known as root-knot. This disease is one of the most serious with which the grower has to contend. It is found practically everywhere almonds are grown and either greatly reduces the vitality of or kills the trees affected, depending upon the seriousness of the attack.
The disease is caused by a bacterial organism, Bacterium tumefaciens, that seems to be native to most California soils. It is characterized by large swellings on the root crown or main roots just below the surface of the ground, though lesser infections may sometimes be found also on the smaller roots. When cut open, these knots appear spongy as if the bark and wood were all mixed together in one mass. They are most serious when spread over a large surface, either partially or completely girdling the root or crown of the tree.
Control methods are of three kinds: