Why are my trees not bearing?

The two major causes of mature, yet unproductive trees are:

1. Pollination: Pecan trees are self-pollinating. While some varieties can pollinate themselves, many can not. Experience calls for a minimum of 3 varieties carefully selected based on their pollen shed and receptivity dates. Each variety should be within 100 feet of each other for good pollination.
2. Lack of Nutrients: This condition exists more often in older trees. Pecan clusters develop only on current year growth, which begins at bud-break around April 15. With pollination taking place from late April to mid-May, the necessary rapid growth can not occur without proper fertilization.

Both soil samples and tissue analysis are recommended to properly care for pecan trees. Both are available through the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. If samples have not been taken a suggested program follows:

• Heavily lime the area by late January. Pecans need a pH level of 6.0 to 6.5 for peak production. On light sandy soils, 1 ton per acre annually is needed to maintain that pH level.
• Annually, by April 1, apply 10 pounds of 8-8-8-2 (2% zinc pecan special) per inch of tree trunk diameter measured at chest height and broadcast in a 10-foot band completely around the tree at the drip line. Feeder roots grow within an inch of the surface. To prevent root damage do not work into the soil. It may take 2 to 3 years to generate sufficient new growth for the trees to begin producing crops.

Why are there holes and worms in my pecans?

Pecan weevils are the number one pecan insect pest. Sevin is an effective insecticide against the weevil but must actually contact the weevil to be effective. Air blast sprayers capable of reaching treetops are needed for optimum control. Research shows that a majority of weevils fly onto low-hanging branches, but some will go up the trunk. Where air blast sprayers are impractical, limited success has been achieved by implementing the following management practices.

• Eliminate low-hanging limbs. Trim to about 6 feet above ground level.
• No later than August 1, begin using Sevin after each heavy rain through late September. Secure burlap around the tree trunk and saturate with Sevin. Trunk should be saturated to the point of run off.
• Spray Sevin into the tree canopy to the extent possible using compressed air sprayers or end-of-hose sprayers, etc.
• Remove and destroy green pecans as they fall. Many have been punctured by a weevil and possibly contain weevil larvae that will fully develop if not destroyed

What causes dark spots on the nutmeat?

Kernel spots are caused by the stinkbug and is more common in thinner-shelled pecans, such as the Cape Fear. Untended areas or uncultivated crops such as soybeans or hay, are likely habitats for adult stinkbugs, which enter pecan orchards during the late summer and fall.

In most cases, the same treatment program as previously discussed for weevils is effective for stink-bugs. A key to stinkbug control is a well-managed orchard floor.

What can I do about webs in trees?

Fall webworms normally appear late July and August. There can be several generations each year. Webworms can reduce nut production but will not kill the tree. Presence of webworms are cyclical with lighter years frequently following heavy infestations.

Webs protect feeding larvae. Breaking of the web will expose larvae to natural predators.

Sevin is effective if chemical treatment is used. Again, since Sevin is a contact poison, it must come into contact with the web where penetration will occur. Mature larvae move down the trunk, and if detected, a heavy drench treatment with Sevin will be effective.

What cuts the limb tips?

Limbs cut, as in the photograph on the right, are caused by twig girdlers. Twig girdlers do their damage late summer and fall. Twigs weakened by the twig girdler will fall during windstorms. Generally, on mature trees, the girdler is not a major problem. But, on young trees production can be limited in addition to hampering attempts to develop a strong central leader. Eggs are deposited in the severed stem, which later hatch and the cycle continues. Severed stems should be immediately cleared from the orchard site and burned. Sevin is an effective insecticide for the girdler. Since damage occurs near the same time as from weevils, a single treatment for weevils and twig girdler will bring some relief.

Marketing: Where would I sell my pecans?

In-state market demand for NC grown pecans far exceeds production. For many years to come it is expected that millions of pounds of pecans will continue to be shipped into NC from other Southeastern states.

The first requirement in marketing any commodity is to consistently produce a quality product. Satisfied customers will return, and word-of-mouth advertising by satisfied customers is valuable.

A marketing plan should be developed specifically for your operation. Many markets exist but determining the one to target depends on many factors. Your resources should be closely examined. What volume will you produce? Will you be able to ship or deliver your products? Will you sell in-shell or shelled product? Do you have processing and packaging capabilities? These are just some of the questions you will consider in developing your personal marketing goals.

Marketing assistance is available by request from Laurie Wood of the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Marketing Division. Marketing is a year-round effort. [top]