PECAN PRODUCTION Modified by Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office June 2002

PECAN PRODUCTION $48,950, value for Georgia in ,000,000 pounds produced in 1998 Average price of $1.22 per pound in 1998

The pecan is considered as the most valuable of the North American nut species. The word ‘pecan’, means “a nut too hard to crack by hand.”

The original native stand of pecans grew from the western part of Texas in a northeasterly direction to the banks of the Mississippi River. Majority of Pecan research is from the South Texas Area.

Most of Georgia is blessed with a marvelous climate for producing pecans. Pecans can be planted in the Coastal Plains and Piedmont Areas of Georgia but are not recommended for the North Georgia mountains.

Georgia has been the Number One producer of improved varieties of pecans in the United States for many years. There are also thousands of pecan trees surrounding urban and rural dwellings in Georgia.

These trees can enhance the environment by providing shade and additional income from the sale of nuts. Some of these trees are not profitable because of their susceptibility to disease, particularly scab.

Considerations for Successful Production Varieties- Yard Tree Varieties Stuart Gloria Grande Curtis Elliot Sumner

Quality of Pecan Varieties

Other Varieties Cape Fear Kernodle Oconee Forkert Schley Desirable Mahan Colby James

Commercial cultivars STANDARDS OF THE PECAN INDUSTRY Desirable Schley Stuart Western Schley

Site Plant trees well away from residence or other buildings. Space the tree at least 60 to 80 feet apart so they will not crowd as they reach maturity Plant yard varieties so that they will never have to be moved.

Factors to Consider on Site Good drainage Adequate depth of soil Good water holding capacity of soil Suitable fertility

Soils Preferred soil is a fine, sandy loam to a depth of about twenty-four inches and below this is a sandy clay subsoil which secures the extensive taproot.

Trees should be planted far away from structures so that limbs will not encroach upon the structure. They should always be planted an adequate distance from overhead power lines.

Planting techniques Factors governing the number of trees per acre: Quality of the land Amount of plant food Amount of moisture Grower’s objective

The best time to plant pecan trees is during the following months: December January February

Planting Trees In order to get best survival, plant freshly dug trees whose roots have been kept moist from digging to planting. 1. Purchase good trees -- Use sturdy, vigorous trees from a reliable nursery. 2. Keep roots moist at all times Pecans by nature have long taproots and require a deep planting hole.

1. Is not uncommon for a hole to be dug at least three feet deep. 2. Hole should be from 12 to 24 inches wide so that all side roots can be properly positioned in the hole. Prune roots to the edge of the hole. Do not wrap roots around the hole.

3. Most soils need additional organic matter. Mix peat moss or well-composted organic matter with the available topsoil to fill the hole. 4. Plant the tree at the same depth it grew at the nursery. 5. Do not put fertilizer in the hole.

6. Build a water-holding basin around the base of the tree. 7. Remove one-half of the top of the new tree to balance the top of the root system. 8. Mulch trees with six inch layer of pine straw, leaves, or old sawdust.

Care for the Young Tree Watering---Primary after-care chore for successfully growing pecan trees. Apply 10 to 15 gallons of water per week either by rainfall or irrigation. Should not be neglected.

Fertility Should take a soil sample to determine tree needs. In the event of no soil test, fertilize with one pound of fertilizer distributed in a 25 sq. ft. area around the tree. Make this application immediately after planting and again in June or July.

Young trees should make from two to four feet of terminal growth per year. When less, apply one pound of ammonium nitrate per inch of trunk diameter in June or July. 1. Fertilizer materials at high rates can damage the tree root when placed too close to the trunk. General recommendation, apply one pound zinc sulfate per tree for the first three years following planting.

Care of Bearing Trees Fertilizing In the absence of soil test or leaf analysis, broadcast 4 pounds of a complete fertilizer such as for each inch of trunk growth measured at 4.5 ft. above soil level. Zinc nutrition is especially important in pecan production.

1. Soil pH should be 6.0 to 6.5 to assure the availability of essential nutrients. Harvesting Pecans 1. Harvest early and store nuts in a clean, dry place to insure the best possible quality.

Insect Control Best control measure is spraying the trees. Major Pecan Insects 1. Aphids & Mites 2. Hickory Shuckworm 3. Twig Girdlers 4. Fall Webworm 5. Pecan Weevil

Diseases Major disease is Scab. Best control is to plant Scab resistant trees. Rosette--caused by Zinc Deficiency. Chlorosis--Zinc Deficiency, Iron Deficiency, Nitrogen Deficiency, Water- logged soils, etc...

Heart Rot and Wood Rot--thought to be caused by open wounds to tree. Powdery Mildew--Fungal Disease of minor importance. Sooty Mold-- Grows on Honeydew secreted by insects.

Birds and Squirrels Squirrels are often a serious pest. 1. Barriers 2. Trapping 3. Shooting

The End