Pecan growers battle Mother Nature

By MANDY SPIKES | Central Texas Edition

Larry Stein shows pecan producers what happens to the branches of pecan trees when weather damage occurs. The pecan field day, which took place August 20 in DeLeon, gave producers tips on growing pecans to the best of their ability. - Photo by Mandy Spikes

August 28, 2003 -- Pecan growers, both new and experienced, have many obstacles that they will come across when growing pecans. From weather problems to insect control, there are many factors to consider when dealing with pecans.

During the pecan field day, which took place August 20 in DeLeon, pecan producers were given helpful tips and advice on growing pecans to the best of their ability.

"There are two types of damage that you must think of concerning pecan trees. They are early spring damage and fall damage," explained Larry Stein, Extension horticulturist. "Pecan trees can kill themselves creating pecans, because they have no reserve. This causes the trees to become damaged and die."

He added that, once established, pecan trees can survive most harsh climates. "But be aware that pecans can get hurt with the early fall damage. You can also have damage during the hard of winter, too."

Stein explained that at the end of each of the trees are leaves with buds, which are the crop for next year. "Secondary buds will also produce pecans if they have enough stored energy. If the secondary buds freeze, though, then it's all over."

Many producers are trying to keep pecan trees little, he said. "They are easy to shake and there isn't any worry about shading or crowding of trees. These trees can easily carry about 35 pounds of pecans. Remember, you don't need huge trees to create a great number of pecans."

He stated that rain is essential for good pecan growth. "We must have the rain. An irrigation is supplemental at best. Weed control can also pay big by getting water and nutrients to the trees," he added.

"Scab came early this year to pecan trees and the pecans that are on lower limbs are showing the signs of it," stated Chip Lee, Extension plant pathologist. "This is going to hurt the crop.

"You better start planning on next year's crop. If you get a heavy crop this year and we start getting rain, you will see early season scab on the pecans next year."

He told participants that most producers will have scab between June 15-20. "Scab won't go away. It will just sit there until the next moisture setting. Just so you know, we are at that point right now."

He added that with scab, it usually occurs when the nighttime temperatures go down and dew fall goes up. "If moisture gets up in the next few weeks, I recommend another application of fungicide."

Bill Ree, Extension pecan entomologist, said that fire ants initially start out with the spring and fall applications. "A lot of native ants are in competition with fire ants in the pecan orchards.

"There has been irrigation problems concerning fire ants. The ants are living and dying in the hoses, which cause irrigation not to happen. It's a very expensive problem because you have to clean and repair the irrigation system."

He stated that it's important to use a pre-bait acceptance test to see if the ants are foraging. "I recommend doing them in the mornings and evenings when it's cooler. Don't mix bait and fertilizer, it won't be as effective with ants."

Ree also talked about controlling the pecan weevil. "Preventing the females from getting into the pecans is what the program is all about. Watch the maturity of the nut."

He said weevils are starting to come out. "It might be now or as late as the end of October or beginning of November.

"The weevils this year are the same ones that were here two years ago."

Timing is important when treating, he stated. "Keep records on your pecan weevil management. When you put the information together, you will know how the weevil program is doing."