Posts by Lenny Wells | UGA Pecan Extension

About Lenny Wells

I am a Professor of Horticulture and Extension Horticulture Specialist for pecans at the University of Georgia. My research and extension programs focus on practical cultural management strategies that help to enhance the economic and environmental sustainability of pecan production in Georgia.

Nut Curculio

Jul 7, 2022 | Written by Lenny Wells

You may notice some nut drop in your orchards at this time. This can occur for a number of reasons, inlcuding rainfall after a long hot,dry period and natural drop on certian varieties. One thing we are seeing at the moment is drop from nut curculio. The damage from nut…
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Pecans and Heat

Jun 22, 2022 | Written by Lenny Wells

The extreme temperatures we are seeing has growers concerned about effects on the trees and crop. These temperatures often entice growers to increase their irrigation rates over that which they would normally apply at this time of year. But, pecans do not respond to heat in the same way that…
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Be Careful of Foliar Sulfur Sprays Under High Temperatures

Jun 16, 2022 | Written by Lenny Wells

Foliar Sulfur sprays applied in June and July have been shown to provide several benefits for pecan production, including suppression of mite populations and an increase in nut size. Sulfur may also aid in the suppression of some minor foliar diseases, and there is some evidence that it may aid…
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The Heat Has Arrived and Problems Come Along With It

May 19, 2022 | Written by Lenny Wells

Temperatures across Georgia have increased dramatically this week following a cool spring. The thermometer has climbed above 90 every day this week and the forecast is for 96 degrees today. Each year when this happens, we begin to get leaves scorching on young trees and see some die-back here and…
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When to Start Spraying for Scab and Fungicide Schedule Options

Apr 5, 2022 | Written by Lenny Wells

Growers get antsy this time of year and are itching to spray. However, unless you are in a very scabby location with highly susceptible cultivars, there is no reason to begin spraying at this point. We are likely at least 10 days to 2 weeks away from needing to begin…
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Freezing Temperatures Damage Pecan Trees

Mar 16, 2022 | Written by Lenny Wells

An early budbreak just prior to last weekend’s freezing temperatures has caused damage to the developing buds of early pecan varieties. Below are some photos of budbreak on Cape Fear pecans taken in Crisp County on Friday afternoon. Elliott buds in the same orchard were also open. Budbreak occurs from…
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Freezing Temperatures On The Way: What does this mean for pecans?

Mar 11, 2022 | Written by Lenny Wells

After a couple of weeks of 80 degree temperatures we are facing low temperatures in the mid 20s this weekend. Forecasts call for temps anywhere from 25 degrees to 28 degrees from middle Georgia down to Valdosta. Temps further north in the Athens area may get down to 23 degrees….
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