Harvesting almonds after most hulls have dehisced, but two to three weeks before the nuts become essentially dry on the tree, did not appear to affect yield in this study. Adverse effects on kernel and shell quality were evident, however. Allowing the almonds to dry on the ground for a few days to a week after knocking reduced or eliminated at least some adverse effects of this earlier harvesting on quality.

The Cortez Growers Association, Inc., Turlock; and R. G. Curley, Extension Agricultural Engineer, James Quick, Extension Technologist, and J. T. Yeager, Superintendent of Field Cultivations, University of California, Davis, also cooperated in this study.