By Clint Thompson
The Georgia pecan industry is going back to the basics with the University of Georgia Pecan Beginners Class, held in conjunction with the Georgia Pecan Conference this year on March 31 in Perry, Georgia.
University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells highlighted the topics scheduled to be covered in the class, which will be held at the Perry Fairgrounds.
“We cover all the basics of growing pecans, from the economics of it, choosing varieties, planting an orchard, irrigation, disease and insect control, weed control; all the way up to management and harvest,” Wells said. “It’s pretty much everything from A to Z as far as the basics of what you need to know for growing pecans.”
Wells is one of multiple UGA specialists scheduled to speak during the class.
UGA pecan breeder Patrick Conner will discuss what varieties growers should be growing, while Andrew Sawyer, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension area pecan agent in the Southeast district, will speak about tree planting and establishment along with weed control. Apurba Barman, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor of entomology at the UGA Tifton Campus, will emphasize insect management tactics that growers should be implementing.
Clemen Oliveira, UGA plant pathologist, will highlight disease management. Wells will cover costs of production, irrigation, fertilization and equipment needs.
“Increasingly, we’re seeing that people who have been in the business for a while come to that meeting. We’re getting fewer and fewer new growers I think,” Wells said.
Growers who are new to pecan production or simply need a refresher on some of the basics are encouraged to attend the class. They can register on-line at the Georgia Pecan Growers Association website. The registration for the course includes lunch.