By Clint Thompson Estimating this year’s pecan crop in Georgia is easier said than done. That’s why Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, steers clear when making such predictions. Various factors can impact the crop between now and harvest time. It is compounded by the expected increase in the number of young trees coming online this year. “Giving …
UGA Implores Use of Scab Resistant Varieties
By Clint Thompson One of the best and most efficient ways to preserve pecan fungicides for the future is for growers to not use them as much as they currently do. That’s why University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells continues to advocate the use of scab resistant varieties. If producers grow varieties that are resistant to …
One or Two More Sprays Needed for Pecan Scab Disease
By Clint Thompson Pecan season is nearing harvest time for growers in Georgia and Alabama. But that doesn’t mean producers should skip any fungicide sprays for scab disease these last few weeks of the season. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, highlighted the need for scab management with harvest just a few weeks away on the earliest varieties. …
Georgia Pecan Referendum Passes
By Clint Thompson The approved referendum for the Georgia Pecan Commission will help further the state’s status as a leader in pecan production. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, explains why the referendum passing at 82.7% is a win for Georgia’s industry. “The pecan industry, compared to most other crops, we are still in the dark ages as …
Improved Fungicides Aiding Pecan Producers Against Scab Disease
By Clint Thompson The wettest summer in 20 years has made scab disease control essential for pecan producers in the Southeast. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, believes the crop would be impacted more if not for the improved fungicides available to growers. “This is one of the wettest summers I can recall. Probably the worst years I …
Fungal Pathogen Impacting Primarily Stuart Pecan Variety
By Clint Thompson University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells cautions growers about a fungal pathogen that primarily affects Stuart varieties. Wells noted in the UGA Extension Pecan Blog about leaf drop that is associated with a dying or browning of the terminal leaflets of compound leaves which progresses backward toward the base of the leaf. It eventually …
Two weeks: Maximum Time In Between Pecan Scab Disease Sprays for Susceptible Varieties
By Clint Thompson Two weeks. That is the maximum amount of time pecan growers have to apply fungicide sprays to trees most susceptible to scab disease. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, discusses the spray window that farmers have to keep certain varieties free of the disease. “From this point on, growers need to stay really tight on …
Georgia Pecan Yields: Too Early to Forecast This Year’s Crop
By Clint Thompson It is too early to forecast what Georgia’s pecan crop will yield for the upcoming season. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, believes the estimated pounds for this harvest season could fall between 2021’s crop (88.6 million pounds) and 2022’s crop (125.5 million pounds). But it is still an estimation at this point. “We’re so …
Rain, Rain Stay Away: Fungicide Timing Tricky for Pecan Producers
By Clint Thompson It is vital that pecan producers keep their fungicide sprays applied during periods of rainy, cloudy weather – like the conditions experienced during the past couple of weeks. But it can be challenging for growers to find a clear window to spray and not be canceled out because of impending rain showers. It can be a difficult …
Rainy Impact: Pecan Producers Protect Your Crop Against Scab Disease
By Clint Thompson First and foremost on the minds of pecan producers in Georgia and Alabama should be prevention of any potential scab disease development following recent storms. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist, discusses why this time of the production season is so important for growers to apply fungicides and protect their pecans from the disease. …