2010 Pecans, Pecans, Pecans….

FEBRUARY 11, 2010

Volume 2. Issue 1

Permian Basin

Inside this issue:

2010 Pecans, Pecans,

Pecans 1

Controlling Tree Squir-

rels 2

West TX Regional Re-

sults 3

Zan's Nutty Corner 4

Kernel's From Debbie 4

Permian Basin Show

Results 5

Controlling the Pecan

Weevil 6 & 7

Monte Nesbitt Take on

2009 8 & 9

Pecan Marketing for

Small Scale Producers 9

Midland & Ector

Counties

Special points of interest:

2010 Pecans, Pecans, Pecans

Controlling Tre Squirrels

West Texas Regional Pecan

Show Winner

Permian Basin Pecan Show

Results

Monte Nesbitts take on 2009

Ms. Debbie Benge Frost County Extension Agent

Horticulture

Midland/Ector Counties

Texas AgriLIfe Extension Ser-

vice

Mr. Michael Clawson County Extension Agent

Agriculture / Natural Resources

Ector County

Texas AgriLIfe Extension Ser-

vice

Dr. A. Zan Matthies County Extension Agent

Agriculture / Natural Resources

Midland County

Texas AgriLIfe Extension Ser-

vice

Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.

The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.

The adult casebearer is a gray moth about 1/3 inch long with a ridge of dark scales running across the forewings. The moths are active only at night when they mate and lay eggs on pecan nuts.

Most eggs are found on the nut-let tips. The greenish-white to white eggs change to pink or red before hatch. Each female lays 50 to 150 eggs during her 5- to 8-day life. Casebearer eggs hatch in 4 to 5 days; young larvae craw lto nearby buds below the nuts to begin feeding. The white empty egg shell remains on the nut. After feeding for a

day or two on a bud below the nut cluster, the tiny larvae enter the pecan nut, often tunneling in at the base. Silk and black frass (excrement) are often visible on the outsides of in-fested nuts. Larvae feed inside pecan nuts for 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the temperature. They are olive gray and reach a length of about inch. Full-grown larvae pupate in the pecan nut; adult moths emerge about 9 to 14 days later. The pecan nut casebearer completes several generations each year. Adults of the overwintering generation

emerge in April and May and lay eggs on pecan nutlets soon after pollina-tion. First-generation larvae mature to moths, which lay second-generation eggs in grooves on the tips or bases of nuts, or on buds. Sec-ond-generation larvae attack the nuts in midsummer about 42 days after nut entry by first-generation larvae. Third-generation eggs are deposited on nuts from late July to early Sep-tember. These larvaefeed only in the shucks ifthe pecan shells have hardened to prevent penetra­tion into the kernel. Many third- and later-generation larvae do not feed, but crawl

to the base of a dormant bud and build tough, silken cocoons where they spend the winter. In spring, these immature larvae leave the cocoon, called a hibernaculum. They feed on buds and tunnel in developing shoots until they are full-grown. Larvae then pupate in shoot tunnels or in bark crevices. Casebearer moths soon emerge to lay first-generation eggs on nutlets.

Page 2 Permian Basin NUTS

Controlling Tree Squirrels in Urban Areas

Tree squirrels inhabit many parts of Texas.

The three types of tree squirrels found in the state are the fox squirrel, the gray squirrel and the flying squirrel. Tree squirrels are interest

ing animals, but in urban and suburban areas they sometimes can be pests. Fox squirrels, the most common of the tree squirrels, are

found in east and central Texas. Gray squirrels, also known as ―cat‖ squirrels, are found in the eastern part of Texas. Flying squirrels are

the smallest of the tree squirrels, the least common, and the only nocturnal tree squirrel. They are found in the eastern part of the state. Tree squirrels feed on a variety

of material; nuts, fruit, seeds, berries, insects and bark make up the bulk of their diet. Nesting sites include tree cavities, old woodpecker holes, attics, etc. If

such places cannot be found, tree squirrels will construct leafy nests in the branches of trees.

Damage

Tree squirrels sometimes become pests in urban areas. They may eat pecans, fruits, berries, bird seed or vegetables in home gardens, or may nest in attics. Sounds of

running or gnawing coming from the attic during the day often indicate the presence of squirrels. Running, squealing and gnawing sounds at night generally indicate the

presence of rats. Squirrels can cause extensive damage to the insulation in the attic or walls, and L-1914 9-06 also may gnaw and damage electrical wiring. During

winter, tree squirrels may damage trees and other ornamental plants by eating the bark off the limbs. Where squirrels are a problem,

several things can be done to discourage them.

Control Methods

Exclusion

Making trees, attics and buildings squirrel proof is a permanent solution to the problem, does not harm the squirrels, and presents no legal difficulties. Squirrels usually

gain entrance to attics and other structures from the roof, especially if tree limbs overlap the roof line. This problem can be solved by trimming tree limbs back at least 8

to 10 feet from the roof. If this is not possible, sheet metal bands can be placed

around the trunks of the trees to discourage squirrels from climbing them. The bands should be about 2 feet wide and 6 to 8 feet from the ground. This method is espe-

cially effective when a single tree provides access to the roof. If squirrels can jump from tree to tree, however, this method may not be effective. If this is the case, an

effort must be made to exclude them from the attic. Squirrels usually enter attics through vents, which often are not adequately screened. However, they will sometimes

gnaw their way

into the attic. All points of entry must be sealed if the squirrels are to be excluded. Sheet metal, hardware cloth, and steel wool are effective materials for sealing the

openings. The openings should not be sealed until the squirrels are out of the building. This can be accomplished by installing a simple one-way door. This door will

enable squirrels to leave the building, but not to reenter it.

Trapping

Cage traps can be used to reduce local squirrel populations or to remove individual squirrels from an attic. Effective baits include fruit, peanut butter, nuts, seeds and

vanilla extract. Cage traps are available from hardware or feed stores.

Chemicals

At present there are no toxicants or fumigants registered for use against tree squirrels in Texas. Registered commercial repellents are available.

Shooting

It is not advisable to shoot squirrels in urban areas because of the danger to other animals and people. Also, most cities have ordinances against discharging firearms

within the city limits.

Restrictions

Fox squirrels and gray squirrels are classified as game animals in Texas, but can be legally cage trapped

in areas where they are causing damage or creating a nuisance. Landowners wishing to live-trap squirrels and relocate them after they have been caught should notify

representatives of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. For additional information contact the nearest office of Texas Cooperative Extension–Wildlife Services.

Biology and Reproduction

Fox Squirrels Gray Squirrels Flying Squirrel

Adult weight: 11⁄2 to 21⁄2 pounds. Adult weight: 1 to 2 pounds Adult weight: 5 ounces.

Total length: 18 to 27 inches. Total Length: 16 to 20 inches. Total length: 8 to 111⁄4 inches.

Color: Brownish-gray with an orange underside. Color: Grayish Color: Pinkish-gray with a white underside.

Tail: 7 to 14 inches, bushy. Tail: 7 to 10 inches, bushy. Body: Broad webs of skin that connect the fore and hind legs.

Gestation period: 42 to 45 days. Gestation period: 42 to 44 days. Gestation period: 40 days.

Litter size: Average of three. Litter size: Average of three Litter size: Three to four.

Litter number: One to two per year, usually born in Litter number: One to two per year, usually born in Litter number: Two per year, usually born

March or April and again in August or September. September or October and again in Feb. & March. in April or May and again in September.

Weaning: 10 to 12 weeks. Weaning: 12 weeks Weaning: 6 to 8 weeks.

Life span: 4 to 7 years. Life span: 6 to 10 years Life span: 5 to 6 years.

Gray Squirrels Adult weight: 1 to 2 pounds. Total length: 16 to 20 inches. Color: Grayish. Tail: 7 to 10 inches, bushy. Gestation period: 42 to 44 days. Litter size: Average of thee.

Litter number: One to two per year, usually born in September or October and again in February or March. Weaning: 12 weeks. Life span: 6 to 10 years.

Distribution of the fox squirrel in Texas. Distribution of the gray squirrel in Texas. Distribution of the flying squirrel in Texas. TCE—Wildlife Services P.O. Box

100410 • San Antonio, Texas 78201-1710 1M, Reprint

WEST TEXAS REGIONAL PECAN SHOW WINNER DECEMBER 2009 Variety Grower County Award Apache Ed & Dorothy Fisher Permian Basin 1 Reserve Grand Champion (Classic & New Division) Apache Ray Barrett Upton 2 Apache Jim Boston Big Country 3 Barton Belding Farms Pecos 1 Barton Sun Valley Farms Pecos 2 Barton Juan Palacios Howard 3 Burkett Bill & Erin Book Concho Valley 1 Grand Champion Classic & New Division Burkett Harold Kolb Andrews 2 Burkett Don Franks Permian Basin 3 Comanche Bill & Erin Book Concho Valley 1 Comanche Frank Heslin Ward 2 Caddo Chester McCown Concho Valley 1 Caddo Jim Boston Big County 2 Cheyenne Ray Barrett Upton 1 Cheyenne Eddy Sullivan Pecos 2 Cheyenne Ed & Dorothy Fisher Permian Basin 3 Choctaw Allen Moore Andrews 1 Choctaw Ed & Dorothy Fisher Permian Basin 2 Choctaw Chuck Elmore Martin 3 Desirable Juan Palacios Howard 1 Desirable Bob Stevenson Ward 2 Desirable Jim Boston Big Country 3 Forkert Ed & Dorothy Fisher Permian Basin 1 Hopi Jim Boston Big Country 1 Hopi Bill Doyle Menard 2 Hopi Boyd Reese Permian Basin 3 Kanza Trey Culp Andrews 1 Kanza Chester McCown Concho Valley 2 Kiowa Ed & Dorothy Fisher Permian Basin 1 Kiowa Eddy Sullivan Pecos 2 Kiowa Larry Chaney Andrews 3 Oconee Jim Boston Big Country 1 Oconee Bill Doyle Menard 2 Oconee Doug Roeber Ward 3 Mahan Gary Owen Permian Basin 1 Mohawk Floyd Frerick Concho Valley 1 Mohawk Tom Riley Martin 2 Mohawk Henry Clingman Permian Basin 3 Nacono LeRoy Olsak Concho V alley 1 Nacono Ed & Dorothy Fisher Permian Basin 2 Navaho Jimmye Johnson Big Country 1 Pawnee Elmer Startz Permian Basin 1 Reserve Grand Champion Commercial Division) Pawnee LeRoy Olsak Concho Valley 2 Pawnee H & H Pecans Big Country 3 Reclassified from Cheyenne 206 Podsednik H & H Pecans Big Country 1 Podsednik Doug Roeber Ward 2 Podsednik Katherine Kniffen Menard 3 Prilop Jim Boston Big Country 1 San Saba Improved RO Pomroy Ward 1 Schley LeRoy Olsak Concho Valley 1 Shawnee Don Franks Permian Basin 1 Shawnee Jane Merrick Andrews 2 Shoshoni LeRoy Olsak Concho Valley 1 Shoshoni Jane Merrick Andrews 2 Shoshoni Unknown Permian Basin 3 Stuart Harold Kolb Andrews 1 Stuart Barbara Johnson Lubbock 2 Stuart Howard Scott Permian Basin 3 Sioux Jim Boston Big Country 1 Sioux Boyd Reece Permian Basin 2 Variety Seedlings Harold Kolb Andrews 1 Western Barbara Johnson Lubbock 1 Western Cherry Gross Andrews 2 Western Laurie Tate Martin 3 Wichita Ed & Dorothy Fisher Permian Basin 1 Grand Champion Commercial Division Wichita Lazaro Garcia Upton 2 Wichita LeRoy Olsak Concho Valley 3

THE REGIONAL RIBBONS ARE IN THE OFFICE SOME OF THE PERMIAN BASIN SHOW RIBBONS ARE BACK ORDERED PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRM.

Volume 2. Issue 1 Page 3

Page 4 Permian Basin NUTS

Zan’s Nutty Corner

2009 is in the books! Last year, we embarked on a programming effort led by

the Permian Basin Pecan Committee. As the agriculture

industry of the Permian Basin has shifted, our educa-

tional programs shifted as well. In 2009, we conducted

five educational events coupled with this newsletter to

provide relevant information to pecan growers. High-

lights of the results were:

48.15% increased understanding of general tree

care with participants indicating a 55.56% in-

crease in applicable knowledge related to pecan

tree diseases. Additionally, participants had a

40.91% increase in understanding concerning the

impacts of pruning on production levels as well

as a 13.33% increased understanding of

―tricking‖ a tree to believe it was a certain age.

39.13% increase in understanding of insect man-

agement of home pecan trees which is accented

by a 34.62% increased understanding of pesti-

cide label interpretation.

Both showed an excess of 70% of the evaluation

sample agreed they received the information

they expected to receive based on the promotion/

marketing of the program.

Complete results of the program series can be obtained by

contacting the Midland County Extension Office at 432-

686-4700.

Time to Plant Pecan Trees Pecan trees are frequently available in a bareroot form and now is a good time to plant

them.

Bareroot pecan trees are grown in the field to a 2-8 foot height. These trees are budded early on with an improved variety so the

tree will yield nuts that are a good size and quality and the tree will bear at an earlier age.

During the winter, bareroot trees are dug and the roots are wrapped with moist packing material that will protect them from

drying out and temperature extremes. The earlier you get bareroot plants and plant them, the better the tree quality, survival rate

and performance.

Before deciding on a pecan tree, make sure you’ve got enough space and sunlight for it’s mature size.

Pecan trees also need at least 3 feet of soil to grow in. If you only have a few inches of soil and then rock...a

pecan tree will never reach it’s potential size and production.

Dig a hole just deep enough to accommodate the roots but plenty wide. Digging a wide hole will loosen and

improve the soil structure and encourage lateral rooting of a newly planted tree. Any damaged, ragged roots

can be clipped off with a sharp pair of hand pruners. Make sure to plant the tree at the same depth it grew in

the field. A color change of dark tissue where the root and stem tissue meet should be apparent. This color

change is your guideline for where to plant. You can soak the roots in a bucket of water for an hour or so be-

fore planting but no more than 6 hours.

Don’t amend the soil with organic mater or add fertilizer at the time of planting. Add 4 inches of organic

mulch on top of the soil after planting. The mulch layer should be 3-5 foot wide, with the tree in the center.

Don’t allow grass or weeds to grow up around the newly planted tree for the first three years. This will allow

the tree to get well established, without the competition and stress of other plants.

A new tree will need frequent watering the first few years to help with survival and growth. Dig into

the soil or poke your finger to feel what the soil moisture is. Once a week in the growing season will be neces-

sary the first couple of years. By: Debbie Benge

ee

Kernels From Debbie

Volume 2. Issue 1 Page 5

# Variety Grower County Weight of Nuts Size Edible Kernel Wgt. % Edible Kernel Award Champ

COMMERCIAL DIVISION

201 Cheyenne Sam Austin Midland 89.4 50.74 49.02 54.8%

202 Cheyenne Boyd Reece Midland 92.3 49.14 51.51 55.8% 2‑R

203 Cheyenne Don & Linda Hollister Midland 97.2 46.67 53.03 54.6%

204 Cheyenne Ed & Dorothy Fisher Midland 98.8 45.91 57.02 57.7% 1‑R

205 Cheyenne Don Franks Midland 83.0 54.65 50.1 60.4% 3

301 Choctaw Ken Mapry Midland 99.6 45.54 50.57 50.8% 3

302 Choctaw Boyd Reece Midland 112.1 40.46 57.08 50.9% 2

303 Choctaw Ed & Dorothy Fisher Midland 118.4 38.31 68.07 57.5% 1‑R

501 Folkert Ed & Dorothy Fisher Midland 100.2 45.27 60.7 60.6% 1‑R

601 Hopi Don & Linda Hollister Midland 66.0 68.73 40.3 61.1% 2

602 Hopi Boyd Reece Midland 92.7 48.93 53.0 57.2% 1‑R

801 Kiowa Ed & Dorothy Fisher Midland 112.7 40.25 67.8 60.2% 1‑R

802 Kiowa Betty Lively Ector 80.2 56.56 30.14 37.6% 2

1001 Mowhawk Henry Clingman Midland 110.0 41.24 56.09 51.0% 1‑R

1002 Mowhawk Amanda Stark Midland 137.4 33.01 60.0 43.7% 2

1101 Pawnee Don & Linda Hollister Midland 97.7 46.43 59.0 60.4% 3

1102 Pawnee Dave & Lura Davis Midland 110.3 41.12 62.4 56.6%

1103 Pawnee Ed & Dorothy Fisher Midland 124.5 36.43 70.1 56.3% 2

1104 Pawnee Don Franks Midland 95.0 47.75 57.9 60.9%

1105 Pawnee Rhyder Blaine Matthies Midland 102.0 44.47 56.04 54.9%

1106 Pawnee Elmer Startz Midland 114.3 39.69 66.2 57.9% 1‑R RES‑COM

1201 Schley Sam Austin Midland 49.1 92.38 20.3 41.3% 1

1301 Sioux Don & Linda Hollister Midland 64.8 70.00 30.64 47.3% 2

1302 Sioux Boyd Reece Midland 67.4 67.30 30.97 46.0% 1‑R

1401 Western Howard Farr Midland 70.0 64.80 38.9 55.6% 1

1402 Western Hazel Wright Ector 79.2 57.27 30.19 38.1%

1403 Western Don & Linda Hollister Midland 73.4 61.80 30.19 41.1%

1404 Western Boyd Reece Midland 71.7 63.26 30.13 42.0% 3

1405 Western Ken Mapry Midland 66.8 67.90 36.9 55.2%

1406 Western Amanda Stark Midland 81.0 56.00 46.0 56.8% 2

1501 Wichita Jim & Karen Harrison Ector 90.0 50.40 60.7 67.4% 2

1502 Wichita Ed & Dorothy Fisher Midland 110.6 41.01 69.4 62.7% 1‑R GRAN‑COM

1503 Wichita Charles White Midland 60.5 74.98 39.0 64.5% 3

1504 Wichita Don & Linda Hollister Midland 79.5 57.06 43.03 54.1% DQ ‑ Mixed Smp

1506 Wichita Henry Clingman Midland 84.0 54.00 47.04 56.0%

1507 Wichita Sam Austin Midland 50.0 90.72 24.04 48.1%

CLASSIC DIVISION

1601 Apache Ed & Dorothy Fisher Midland 98.0 46.29 54.01 55.1% 1‑R

1701 Barton Willie & Shirley Miles Midland 93.1 48.72 41.8 44.9% 2

1702 Barton Sam Austin Midland 74.3 61.05 40.19 54.1% 1

1901 Burkett Jack King Midland 86.8 52.26 45.7 52.7%

1902 Burkett Amanda Stark Midland 96.4 47.05 49.53 51.4% 3

1903 Burkett Neel Wright Ector 95.8 47.35 53.5 55.8% 2

1904 Burkett Don Franks Midland 101.0 44.91 57.0 56.4% 1‑R

1905 Burkett Don & Linda Hollister Midland 80.0 56.70 42.04 52.6%

1906 Burkett Dave & Lura Davis Midland 84.4 53.74 39.7 47.0%

2101 Comanche Unknown 85.6 52.99 43.9 51.3% 1‑R

2701 Mahan Gary Owen Midland 97.5 46.52 43.08 44.2% 1‑R

3001 Nacona Ed & Dorothy Fisher Midland 99.3 45.68 53.3 53.7% 1‑R GRAN‑CL

3601 Shawnee Don Franks Midland 82.7 54.85 45.07 54.5% 1‑R

3801 Stuart Howard Scott Midland 105.8 42.87 50.2 47.4% 1‑R

3802 Stuart Chris & Margaret Watson Ector 99.3 45.68 45.04 45.4% 2

VARIETY SEEDLINGS

4101 Seedling Boyd Reece Midland 77 58.91 42.2 54.8% 1‑R GRAN‑VS

4102 Seedling Boyd Reece Midland 74 61.30 41.1 55.5% 2‑R

4103 Seedling Edwin & Dorothy Fisher Midland 74 61.30 35.0 47.3% 3

OTHER VARIETIES 4201 Chickasaw Steve Atwood Midland 90.7 50.01 51.1 56.3% 1‑R RES‑CL

4202 Grazona Boyd Reece Midland 105.9 42.83 60.5 57.1% 2

4203 Podsednik Don & Linda Hollister Midland 137.8 32.92 67.6 49.1%

4204 Podsednik Chris & Margaret Watson Ector 161.6 28.07 81.9 50.7% 3

4205 Success Bryan Pollard Midland 99.1 45.77 42.1 42.5%

4206 Cherokee Sam Austin Midland 51.8 87.57 25.04 48.3%

Permian Basin Pecan Show 2009 Results--- Some of the Ribbons are on Backorder Please Call to Verify

Page 6 Permian Basin NUTS

Most weevils emerge just at or shortly after gel stage, so nut losses caused by adult feeding are small compared to those caused by egg laying. The adult emergence period last for several weeks so time sprays to prevent oviposition rather than to protect a few nuts that will be lost to the small number of early emerging adults that feed during the water stage. The key to managing the pecan weevil is to prevent the laying of eggs. Female weevils do not begin laying eggs until 5 days after they emerge from the soil. For egg lay to be successful, nuts must be in the gel stage or later. Nuts are susceptible to oviposition from the gel stage up to shuck split. To deposit eggs in pecans, a female feeds through the shuck and shell to the kernel where she excavates a small cavity in the developing kernel. She turns around and, with her ovipositor, places three to four eggs per nut on the de-veloping kernel . (Fig. 8) She will avoid any pecans in which eggs already have been laid by other fe-males. A female will lay approximately 75 eggs in her life a a rate of 2.6 to 3.8 eggs per day. Each female will oviposit in approximately 30 nuts during her 3- to 4- week life. Female weevils cannot lay eggs in nuts after shuck split. Larvae hatch and feed in the kernel. When fully developed, larvae chew a single hole, rarely two, through the shuck and shell, exit the nut and drop to the ground. The time period from egg lay to larval emergency is approximately 42 days. Once larvae have dropped to the ground, they burrow into the soil to a depth of 4 to 12 inches where they create a cell. A year later, about 90 percent of these larvae pupate during a 3-week period. After pupation, the adult pecan weevil remains in the soil for another. These adults emerge the next year, resulting in a 2-year life cycle. The remaining 10 percent delay pupation until the second year. These adults remain in the soil for another year, which re-sults in a 3-year life cycle. Integrated Pest Management Practices

The object in a pecan weevil integrated pest management (IPM) program is to prevent female weevils from laying eggs in nuts. Because the larvae, pupae and adults are covered with 4 to 12 inches of soil and pesticides cannot reach larvae inside the nuts, management of these life stages is not practical. The only possible time to manage infestation is after adults have emerged from the soil and before egg laying starts. To prevent weevils from laying eggs, pecan producers must do the following.

monitor kernel development to determine when the earliest maturing cultivars reach a stage susceptible to oviposition;

monitor adult emergency from the soil, and

apply an effective insecticide at the proper time to prevent emerging

Testing for Soil Hardness Hard soil prevent weevils from emerging normally.

Soil hardness can be measured by apply-ing pressure to a dowel rod inserted into the soil. Soil hardness should be tested throughout an orchard. Soils with a mechanical imped-ance equal to or greater than 60 kg/cm2 in the top 5.5 inches (14 cm) of soil inhibit weevil emer-gence. To determine if your soil is that hard or harder, take an 8-inch length of 1/2-inch dowel rod fitted with a handle. Press the flat surface of the dowel rod (a 1/2-inch diameter dowel rod equals about a square centimeter of surface area) onto the soil surface and apply up to 132 pounds (60 kg) of force to the handle. If the dowel rod penetrates the soil to a depth of 6", weevils should emerge during the normal time (Fig. 2). If the rod does not penetrate the soil, emergence of some weevils will be delayed until the soil becomes softer.

Figure 2

Controlling the Pecan Weevil by: Bill Ree, Allen Knutson and Marvin Harris*

The pecan weevil (Cur ulio caryae (Horn) is a key pest of pecan in the United States and portions of Texas. Pecan wee-vils, which also feed on all species of North American hick-ory, can be found from New York to Iowa, south to Okla-homa, and across the southeastern states from Florida to west Texas. As of 1999, pecan weevil had been found in 131 Texas counties. See figure 1. Figure 1 Description The adult is a brownish weevil about 3/8 inch long. The female's snout is as long as its body; the male's snout is somewhat shorter. The larvae are cream colored grubs with reddish heads. When fully grown, larvae reach a length of 3/5 inch. The larvae are cream colored grubs with reddish heads. When fully grown, larvae reach a length of 3/5 inch. Fig. 5 Biology Adult weevils, both males and females, damage pecans by feeding on and/or large eggs in nuts. Even though damage can occur from the time of adult emergence to shuck split, the key to weevil control is to prevent egg lay or oviposition. Pecan weevil activity starts in early August. Adults emerge from the soil where they have spent 2 or 3 years in soil cells located 4 to 12 inches beneath the soil surface. The emergence of adult pecan weevils is directly related to the type of soil and soil moisture conditions. Drought conditions and clay soils delay emergency of adults by a month or more. Under normal soil conditions, approximately 80 percent of adult wee-vils emerge between August 20 and September 10 (Fig. 2). This emergency pattern is typical across the pecan belt. However, soils hardened by drought delay adult emergence. During drought condi-tions in 1977-78, almost 30 percent of the adult weevils emerged after an October 19 rain. Drought-delayed emergency can only be broken when the soil is softened by moisture, either from irrigations or rain-fall. Hard soil acts as a physical barrier to adults moving from their soil cells to the soil surface. Irrigation can be used to ensure adult weevils emerge at the normal time (Fig. 2). Application of 2 or 3 acre inches of water in mid-August should prevent most soils from being drought-hardened during the crucial August 20 to September 10 emergency period. Irrigation can prevent drought delay but will not accelerate weevil emergence earlier than normal. Schedule irrigation to ensure weevil emergence at the normal time, but allow time for soils to dry enough to allow pesticide sprayers access before merging weevils can begin to lay eggs in nuts. Orchards under drip irrigation will have normal weevil emergency near water emitters but, under drought con-ditions, also will have delayed emergence from hard soils under the canopy but away from emitters. As soon as they emerge from the soil cells, adult pecan weevils move to the nearest tree. Research indicates that 77 percent of adults fly to the tree trunk at a height of 6 to 8 feet, 5 percent walk to the tree trunk and 15 percent fly directly to the canopy. Once in the canopy, the tasks of feeding and finding a mate begin. Feeding activity of adults weevils, both males and females, before nuts enter the gel stage can cause nut drop. After shell hardening, males only feed on the shuck and this will not cause nut drop. A close inspec-tion of damaged pecans will reveal a puncture the size of a straight pin that can be traced through shuck and shell to the liquid endosperm area of the nut. (Fig. 6). Often this feeding puncture or egg laying site will be surrounded by a circle of tracks created by the adult (Fig. 7). The presence of punctures and tracking confirm weevil presence. Feeding rates for males and females prior to shell hardening are low.

Volume 2. Issue 1 Page 7

Monitoring Kernel Development:

Pecan kernel develop-ment must be in the gel or dough stage for oviposi-tion, larval hatch and development to be suc-cessful. It is important to detect this early develop-ment stage so the onset of oviposition can be deter-mined. To monitor ker-nel development, cut the distal or tip end of the nutlets of the earliest maturing varieties and check for the beginning of the gel stage. Pecans mature from the distal end to the stem end.

Monitoring Adult Emergence: There are several monitoring techniques to detect adult pecan weevil activity. They include inspecting dropped nuts for punctures and using knock down sprays, sticky bands, limb jarring and assorted traps. Of these tech-niques, the wire cone trap, pyra-mid or "Tedders" trap, and the Circle trap are commonly used.

Wire cone traps have been used for many years to monitor adult pecan weevil emergence. Wire cone traps are place on the ground beneath pecan tress with a known history of pecan weevil infestations. These traps are durable and can be used for many years with limited mainte-nance. However, these traps are expensive, labor intensive and cannot be used with livestock unless the trap area is fenced.

The pyramid or "Tedders" trap is built of tow triangular-shaped pieces of 1/2-inch hard-board. Each piece is slotted in the center so that one piece slips over the other at a 90-degree angle. The result is a 4-foot high verti-cal pyramid. The trap is painted a dark color and fitted with a boll weevil trap to collect adults. A single trap is placed beneath a tree canopy, approximately 8 to 10 feet from the trunk. It is recommended that one trap should be used per tree; no more than a total of 15 traps are needed for 100 acres. Since this trap works as a vis-ual preference, the tree trunk next to the trap should be painted white to a height of 6 to 8 feet. Trap efficiency is enhanced by keeping grass and weeds mowed around the monitoring trees. These traps require little effort to put up and are relatively inexpensive. Like the wire cone traps, these traps cannot be used in conjunction with grazing unless the trap area is fenced.

A fairly recent trap that has only been tested for a couple of years in Texas is the Circle trap. This trap is a wire cone trap that is placed on the side of a tree. Trap placement on the tree allows use with grazing live-stock.

Trap construction plans or sources for the purchase of traps can be ob-tained from your local county Extension office.

Regardless of the type of trap used, place traps on or under trees with known weevil infestations. If an orchard has several different soil types (sandy, loam, clay), place traps under infested trees growing on the dif-ferent soils. Place traps in the orchard 1 to 2 weeks before the earliest maturing varieties reach the gel stage and monitor the traps every 2 to 3 days. Adult weevils collected in the traps should be counted and removed with each inspection.

Applying Insecticide:

If adult pecan weevils are found in an orchard, economic damage will occur if

the orchard is not treated . A treatment program for the pecan weevil requires at least two properly timed insecticide applications. In some cases, three or four applications may be needed to prevent an economic loss,

Unlike treatment for the pecan nut casebearer, where infestations can vary from year to year by several weeks or more, the initial insecticide applica-tion for pecan weevil is applied around August 20 to 22. The initial treat-ment should be made when the earliest maturing nuts of the early varie-ties are in the gel stage at the distal end of the nut. Evan in years where drought delays emergence and traps fail to collect adults, some pecan weevil adults will emerge through soil cracks before gel formation and this justifies the initial treatment.

The initial insecticide application should be effective for 5 days. Adult female pecan weevils do not begin to lay eggs until 5 days after emergence, so the earliest time to retreat will be 10 days after the initial application. If adult emergence traps are collecting adult weevils on or after the sixth day following the initial insecticide application, a second application is needed. The second application is needed no sooner than 10 days after the first treatment. If no adult weevils are trapped 6 days after the initial treatment, then the second application can be delayed until traps again detect adult activity. At least two sprays are needed to control established pecan weevil infestations. If drought has caused soil to become hard and adults continue to be trapped more than 5 days after the second applica-tion, a third insecticide application will be needed. Any pecan that has not reached shuck split will be susceptible to pecan weevil and should be pro-tected with an insecticide application.

In Texas, the recommended insecticide for pecan weevil control is carbaryl (Sevin® 80S0 at a rate of 1.25 to 3.0 pounds per 100 gallons. Do not use spreader stickers with the treatment. Other formulations of carbaryl also can be used. Read and follow the label directions.

The pecan weevil is an insidious pest that infests nuts that could otherwise be harvested and used as food. Routine management of the weevil calls for two or three well-timed, late-season applications of insecticide. This prevents weevils that live in the infested orchard from causing economic damage. Adults do not fly far and natural spread of infestations occurs over distances of a mile or less. Movement over longer distances results from transport of infested nuts by humans.

Pecan Weevil Eradication

Integrated pest management (IPM) practices in pecan are designed to keep pecan weevil populations below economic levels. The goal of eradi-cation, however, is to eliminate a pest species from an area. Occasionally, efforts to eradicate pecan weevil are attempted when isolated populations are detected. An eradication program is typically conducted under the regulatory authority of the Texas Department of Agriculture. Eradication efforts include an intensive insecticide treatment program, destruction of infested nuts and discarded trash, and strict quarantines to prevent move-ment of infested nuts into the eradiaction area.

To eradicate pecan weevil, insecticides are applied just before gel stage and continue at 7- to 10-day intervals. Several applications that blanket the presumed adult emergence period are made in an effort to kill every emerging weevil. This eradication program re-quires a minimum 3-year pe-riod when no larval infesta-tions appear in the harvests. The program probably should be conducted for a fourth sea-son to ensure eradication suc-cess. Eradication is considered complete when no pecan wee-vil are found for four consecu-tive seasons.

Fig. 3

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

Fig. 9

Fig. 6

Monte Nesbitt, Department of Horticultural Sciences

Texas A&M University

Pecan growers in Texas had a tough year

in 2009. Late spring frost hurt growers in

some locations, while others had excess produc-

tion and less than stellar kernel quality. Na-

tionally, the pecan crop is anticipated to be

off, and if growers in Texas can make decent

production, the reward may be strong prices.

The economic situation makes it difficult

to grow pecans with maximum inputs every year.

If the crop is light, there are production prac-

tices that can be altered to save money while

not compromising production for the next year

(2011).

Less Fertilizer The earliest we may know whether we

have a crop or not will be about April 15-25

this spring when female flowers have had time

to show. If there are absolutely no nuts, then

nitrogen levels for the year can be reduced

substantially. For trees that are healthy, re-

duce rates to 15-25% of normal levels if no

nuts are present. Apply other nutrients accord-

ing to last year’s leaf samples in order for the

trees to overcome stress and make new growth.

In the absence of leaf sample data, apply your

nitrogen in a complete fertilizer that has minor

nutrients in it too. All these other nutrients

become available slowly, compared to nitrogen,

and applying them in 2010 will help make them

available in 2011, which should be a big crop

year. If you have good stands of clover in your

orchard, you can probably get away with not

applying any supplemental fertilizer, provided

that you allow the clover time to fully mature

and die in early summer, and provided that you

don’t have other elemental deficiencies.

Fertilizer application should be delayed

long enough to see what kind of crop, if any,

the trees have. By waiting till mid-April, you

will still have time to get nitrogen into the

trees if some nuts show up, and ample time

to feed vegetative growth if no nuts appear.

Zinc Sprays Even in a very-light or off-crop

situation, zinc is needed in Texas pecan or-

chards annually to produce normal-size

leaves that the tree needs to create food

reserves for crop production. Foliar Zinc

should normally coincide with budbreak and

the first flushes of growth in the spring.

Where 5-6 sprays may be needed to pro-

duce a good crop of foliage and nuts, a

schedule of 3-4 sprays might suffice for

strictly producing leaves and maintaining a

mature orchard that has little to no produc-

tion. Orchards with non-bearing young

trees should continue to make regular zinc

sprays throughout the growing season for

optimal growth.

Less Insecticides If nuts are absent, the insecticide

applications and their associated costs can

be reduced tremendously. Pecan Nut Case-

bearer, Hickory Shuckworm, Stinkbug, and

Weevil sprays can be eliminated if there are

no nuts present. On the other hand, if a

light crop is present, then those nuts will be

under tremendous pressure from nut-feeding

insects, and if there is any desire to har-

vest a light crop, then extra-effort moni-

toring these pests must be made. A deci-

sion must be made early to determine

whether a light crop is large enough to cover

costs of pest protection and harvesting.

Controlling yellow aphids in off-crop

years could be an expense that growers wish

Cont'd next pg.

Page 8 Permian Basin NUTS

MONTE NESBITT'S TAKE ON 2009 CROP

As mentioned in this news-

letter, production in the Permian

Basin has shifted to small, hobby-

ist, and/or yard tree pecan growers.

While we understand that many of you grow pecans for per-

sonal use, some have expressed a

desire to explore cooperative mar-

keting of their pecans.

In response to this, both the

Ector and Midland County Agents

have met to explore this idea with

a grower who has experience in commercial marketing. We are

laying the ground plans for a

possibility of this program. We

are encouraging anyone who is

interested to contact either Ex-

tension Office so we have your contact information as we pro-

gress through this planning proc-

ess.

Again, if you have any

questions regarding cooperative

marketing, feel free to contact :

Michael Clawson 432-498-4071

Debbie Frost 432-498-4071

Zan Matthies 432-686-4700

Volume 2. Issue 1

PECAN MARKETING FOR SMALL SCALE PRODUCERS

Page 9

to avoid, and generally speaking it is not as bad

to have sooty mold problems with no crop as it

is to have sooty mold problems and a moderate

to large crop. Sooty mold and yellow aphids

feeding is a factor in alternate bearing, and

yellow aphids can get so heavy that leaf drop

occurs. The conservative advice is to ignore

light populations of yellow aphids as much as

possible, but if trees become heavily infested

to the point that leaf drop or heavy sooty mold

may occur, some control is needed.

Less Mowing In orchards that have mature and estab-

lished trees, mowing grass is done in spring and

summer to facilitate harvest and for appear-

ance. Certainly there is some competition of

grasses for water and nutrients, but it is not

lessened by mowing. On young trees that are

still making abundant growth, weed competition

needs to be eliminated, but an orchard without

a crop to harvest can save money by reducing

the number of mowings in this year. Orchards

look much better mowed than with knee-high

grass, but nice appearance doesn’t pay ex-

penses. A grower may also use his orchard floor

for income in an off-crop year by grazing live-

stock or producing hay for sale on it.

More Education

Off-crop years may provide orchard

owners more time for education. Perhaps its

time to reevaluate tree spacing, varieties, and

even equipment needs. Several counties hold

pecan field days, and the Texas Pecan Grower’s

Annual Convention will be held in San Marcos,

Tx., July 11-14. Contact Cindy Wise at TPGA

for more information (979) 846-3285.

Texas AgriLife Extension Service

United States Department of Agriculture

Texas A&M University System

c/o CEA - AGNR

2445 E. HWY 80

Midland, TX 79706

Non Profit Org

US Postage Paid

Midland, TX 79711

PERMIT NO. 412

“ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED”