By Clint Thompson
Alabama’s prolonged drought in the late summer and fall impacted the size of this year’s pecan crop, according to Bryan Wilkins, Auburn University research associate. But the lack of rainfall actually helped the quality of this year’s crop in Mobile and Baldwin counties.
“It’s cut the size of the nuts, but from what I’ve been seeing, it may have been a blessing in disguise,” said Wilkins. “We (normally) get a lot of rain in June and July, and the nuts get real big. The rain shuts off and sometimes people have trouble filling the nuts. Without that rain in June, July and early August, the nuts weren’t quite as big. It’s hurt us on size, but they are full.
“The quality is actually good for the most part. We’re seeing some of the things that Lenny (Wells) saw with that late freeze damage, some pops and self-pollination problems. It’s the same thing they’re seeing over in Georgia.”
Wilkins said producers should be done harvesting this year by Christmas.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of Alabama is experiencing some level of dry conditions. Abnormally dry and moderately dry conditions are still being experienced in Mobile and Baldwin counties.