By Clint Thompson Fungicide spray programs to protect pecan trees from scab disease vary from variety to variety. Growers in Alabama and Georgia should never consider a blanket program, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. “We grow so many different varieties in Georgia that it’s really counter-productive that we come out with a blanket program. It really …
Pecan Growers Should Delay Fungicide Applications, Unless Crop is Highly Vulnerable to Scab Disease
By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall last week had pecan producers feeling antsy about applying fungicide sprays for scab disease. But that should only apply to a small percentage. Most growers still can wait to start their fungicide applications, says University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Pecan Specialist Lenny Wells. “I’ve had calls from some (growers), and some of them I agree, …
UGA Extension Pecan Specialist: Know Your Costs of Production
By Clint Thompson Lenny Wells’ words of wisdom to potential pecan producers is simple: Know your costs of production. The University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist stresses to growers interested in starting their own orchards to familiarize themselves with input costs. “It was expensive before, but now with the increase in input costs, like everything, it’s gone way up. As …
Ambrosia Beetle Management Key for Young Pecan Trees
By Clint Thompson University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells reminds producers about the susceptibility that young trees have to ambrosia beetle damage. “This is the time that they’re out, with the warm weather that we’ve had. They’re out flying. We’ve had reports of some out and hitting trees already. It’s not surprising,” Wells said. “This is when they …
Pecan Production in Georgia: Estimated 70 Million Pounds in 2021
By Clint Thompson Pecan production in Georgia was half of what it was the year before but still more than most predicted. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells discusses the total for the 2021 crop. “From the assessments that have come in, I’m hearing 70 million to 75 million pounds, which is a good bit more than …
Pecan Producers: Monitor for ‘Active’ Ambrosia Beetles
By Clint Thompson Southeast pecan producers need to protect their crop against ambrosia beetles, which are active right now. According to the University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan blog, growers who have had problems with the pest in the past or who have newly planted trees need to apply sprays of a pyrethroid like Bifenthrin. “Due to the number of …
Why Not Do It? Hedging Pecan Trees Provides Multiple Advantages
By Clint Thompson There are so many advantages to growers hedging their pecan trees, there is no reason not to do it. That is the mindset shared by Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. He continues to implore Southeast pecan producers to hedge their trees this offseason. “You minimize the alternate bearing. You get better quality and get …
Pecan Nutrient Management: Cut Costs, Not Corners
By Clint Thompson Nutrient management is a way pecan producers can decrease their input costs heading into the 2022 harvest season, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. It starts with soil samples, which can be done any time of the year. But Wells stresses that growers do it at the same time every year. “If you take …
Alabama Pecan Producers Remain Optimistic
By Clint Thompson Alabama pecan producers are optimistic about next year’s potential crop. But they are also keeping an eye on rising input expenses and the impact fertilizer costs will have on the bottom line. That’s the message being conveyed to Bryan Wilkins, Alabama Extension Research Associate. “They’re farmers, so they’re always optimistic, but they’re keeping an eye on things …
Improved Pecan Production Expected in 2022
By Clint Thompson A decreased crop combined with high prices highlighted this year’s pecan season in the Southeast. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension pecan specialist, believes production will rebound next year. Unfortunately, prices are expected to drop again just like 2020. “I’m a little concerned we’re going to see issues that, if it’s a huge crop throughout …