Oklahoma pecan growers are expecting a large crop this season, but without an improvement in prices compared with last year, many may choose not to harvest native orchards.
"Early this summer, Oklahoma's crop was estimated at 18 million pounds, up slightly from its 17-million-pound average," said Kelly Seuhs, Oklahoma State University Extension pecan specialist in Stillwater. However, he noted that the estimate was later revised downward. "During the Texas Pecan Growers Conference in July, that estimate was revised downward due to expected poor native pecan prices," he explained. "Prices will not be available until closer to harvest time, so while the crop potential may be 18 to 20 million pounds, the actual harvested volume likely will be much smaller."
Favorable spring conditions initially pointed to a larger-than-average crop. "Spring began with an abundance of pecan flowers, suggesting potential for a larger-than-average crop across Oklahoma. Rainfall was above normal in April and May, which may have negatively affected pollination," Seuhs said. Wet, humid, and cloudy conditions persisted into June, complicating field management. "Frequent rains continued through most of the summer. In late July, many improved orchards were crop-thinned. The crop was slightly early but generally large across the state. However, at that time, widespread nut drop occurred," he added, citing poor pollination, heavy crop loads, and tree stress among possible causes.
Disease pressure also developed through the season. "Nut size and quality may be reduced in affected orchards," Seuhs said. "The native crop also appears large, though disease is present. Harvest will depend largely on shuck split and native pecan prices." Persistent rains hindered access to groves for timely fungicide applications. "In some areas along creeks and rivers, lake backwaters impeded access for nearly two months," Seuhs explained. "As a result, pecan scab and other minor diseases began to appear across the state." Orchards that maintained a fungicide program remained mostly clean, with cooler spring temperatures helping limit early scab development.
According to Seuhs, research trials highlighted the importance of fungicide application frequency. "Scab-susceptible cultivars there received six applications, and the Pawnee trees remain clean. The Kanza variety received only two applications, and those are showing minor disease pressure," he said. Insect pests such as pecan nut casebearer and aphids were largely controlled by rainfall earlier in the season, while pecan weevil activity resumed in August.
As harvest nears, Seuhs advised growers to prepare machinery and remain alert to wildlife losses and late-season pests. "Squirrels, birds, and other predators can cause substantial crop loss," he said. "Continue monitoring for potential late-season insect pests, such as stinkbugs and leaf-footed bugs, which can penetrate hardened shells and cause kernel spotting and price dockage or rejections from buyers." Postharvest management will also be essential, including orchard maintenance, pruning, and equipment servicing to sustain productivity into the next season.
Source: FarmProgress
