By Clint Thompson Much-needed rain was received this week across the Southeast. But now there is increased risk for scab disease for pecan producers in Georgia and Alabama. Growers need to be on alert and stay vigilant with their spray programs, according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia, Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. “It had gotten really dry, but the flipside …
Pecan Crop Looking Better Than Expected
Irrigation Remains Vital During Hot, Dry Conditions By Clint Thompson Pecan harvests are still at least four months away, but the crop is looking better than expected, according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. “Young trees look really good, most everywhere that I’ve been. Older trees are a little more hit and miss, which we’ve kind …
UGA to Host In-Person Beginner’s Pecan Production Course
The University of Georgia Pecan Team will be holding a Beginner’s Pecan Production Course on June 15 at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. The course will cover various topics pertaining to pecan production including costs, cultivar selection, fertilization, irrigation, cultural management, insect control, disease management, weeds, equipment and market overview. The event will start …
Irrigation Key for Pecan Producers During These Hot, Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson Weather forecasts are calling for hot and dry conditions for the foreseeable future. That could have a detrimental impact on pecan trees, believes Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. “Especially with growers with young trees planted in the last year or two, they need to be really careful about making sure they’re watering these …
USDA 2020 Summary: Georgia Pecan Crop Yields 147.5 Million Pounds
The quantity was there to make Georgia’s 2020 pecan crop one of its best. However, the prices that farmers received per pound were well below average, as evidenced by the USDA Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts 2020 summary. Georgia produced 147.5 million pounds in 2020; more than double its output in 2019 (73 million) and in 2018 (70 million). The value …
Fungicide Sprays Vary for Various Pecan Varieties
By Clint Thompson It’s that time of year when Georgia pecan producers need to start protecting their trees against fungal diseases, including scab. According to the University of Georgia Extension pecan blog, sprays vary among the different cultivars and their specific level of resistance. Low Input Cultivars Those that are considered low input cultivars include Avalon, Elliot, Excel, Kanza, Lakota …
Breaking Ground: Pecan Trials Planted at UGA’s VOVRC
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension is conducting pecan research at the UGA Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center (VOVRC) in Toombs County. Pecan trees were planted earlier this year and will be the basis for long-term research plots and short-term demonstration plots. Research will focus on low-input pecan varieties that can successfully grow in Georgia without incidence of pecan scab. …
Scab Disease: To Spray or Not to Spray?
The calendar may say it’s time for pecan producers to spray for scab but the weather conditions, combined with the current market season, say otherwise. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist, says it still early to start spraying for scab disease this week. Next week should present a more optimal timeframe. It would also coincide with growers’ …
Georgia is Nuts About Pecans
Brian Kemp is nuts about pecans. So is the rest of Georgia for that matter. Just call Georgia the “Pecan State.” Georgia’s Governor designated the pecan as Georgia’s official state nut on Friday at an event at Ellis Brothers Pecans in Vienna. According to the USDA Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook, Georgia reclaimed the status as the largest pecan producer …
The Pecan State: Georgia Once Again Top Producer with 142 Million Pounds
Georgia is no longer second fiddle when it comes to pecan production. According to the USDA Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook, Georgia is once again the largest pecan producer after being bested by New Mexico the previous two years. Production rose 95% to 142 million pounds last year. It is showing signs of recovery from Hurricane Michael in 2018. Statewide …