By Clint Thompson
Pecan harvests are well underway across the Southeast. Some varieties have not reached maturity stage yet. As a result, growers should not abandon their irrigation needs, especially as the current drought lingers and worsens across Alabama and Georgia, according to last Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, discusses the situation facing pecan producers.
“We’re past the kernel filling stage. Most growers should be in good shape there. But one thing they do need to keep in mind is that just because the kernel is filled and the nut itself is mature, that doesn’t mean you can just disregard any irrigation needs of the trees,” Wells said. “They do need water to open those shucks up properly. You need to continue to maintain good soil moisture there. You can certainly cut back on the water from what you had been irrigating during August and early September. But they still do need to irrigate probably about at 40% of full capacity up until they get about a week away from harvest. That should help the nuts open up more evenly and properly.
“We can see a lot of issues with shuck decline and the shucks not wanting to open up. The heavier the crop load is on the tree, the more likely you are to see that kind of thing under those conditions. To avoid that situation, continue to maintain even soil moisture.”
Areas in northern and southern Alabama are experiencing extreme drought and severe drought, while a moderate drought is observed in the central part of the state. Moderate drought conditions are seen in southwest Georgia and in the northern part of the state.