Insect Management
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Following pollination, as we advance into the growing season, those tiny nutlets on terminal branches of pecan trees are potentially exposed to feeding by pecan nut casebearer (PNC) caterpillars. The adult moths of this species emerge out of their overwintering stage in the spring and are often active in pecan orchards from mid-April onwards. No…
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As we are getting into the early nut development stage, the primary pest of concern for us is the pecan nut casebearer (PNC). Whether we consider PNC to be a serious pest or not, all depends on the crop load in that given year. In a year with heavy crop on the trees, a light…
Posted in: Insect Management -
We are in the first stages of pecan budmoth infestation. Last year was a very bad year for budmoth. We are seeing initial signs of infestation on young trees (generally 1—3 years old) as of the first week of April. Identifying budmoth at this time of the year is not easy since worms are very…
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There have been anecdotal reports in the past years that flatheaded borers have caused damage to young pecan trees/nursery trees. The injury are characterized by darkened and sunken areas on the outside of the trees (Fig. 1) caused by larval feeding. On young trees, this may cause girdling and even tree death. Larval appear pale…
Posted in: Insect Management -
It’s that time of the year again that these moth pests are out and about. Bud Moth. There have been calls regarding bud moth problems with young trees recently. Symptoms include rolled leaves and dead terminals (pictures below). To confirm infestation, check the rolled leaves and you would find a caterpillar inside. Bud moth adults…
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Last week, the Tri-State Meeting estimated the current Georgia crop at 130 million lbs. I don’t know if that is wrong or right. It is nearly impossible to put a number on Georgia’s crop because the calibration of its size is in such a state of flux. We have acres of trees coming into and…
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There has been a number of reports of a strange tissue growth on the stems of compound leaves and even around developing nutlet. There are three species of phylloxera on pecan. Most everyone is familiar with the species that causes warts on the leaves referred to as Leaf Phylloxera. Tiny, soft-body, aphid like insects feed…
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We’re getting near the end but still have a little ways to go on the 2023 pecan crop. Most growers are tired of spending money and ready to see it start flowing back in. But, don’t let your guard down yet. August is a critical month for pecan trees. Here are some things you may…
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N-Fertilizer Injection We are in the middle of fertilization season again and many are choosing to inject their N through the irrigation system. This is a great way to fertilize pecan trees with N. It’s cheaper and allows you to spoon feed them a little at the time through the season. The trees respond well…
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As Andrew mentioned in the last blog post, Dr. Barman has been seeing consistent flights of ambrosia beetle for several weeks now. We are starting to get calls about hits on new plantings. Budbreak is looking to be early this year. Reports of early budbreak of many plants throughout the Southeastern U.S. by those who…