Q&A - Last year the pecans had shells but no kernels. Why?
Question:
Last year my neighbor had pecans (shells) that didn't make kernels? What could have caused that?
Answer:
Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison says the most likely reason for this problem is pecan scab. If you don’t see a hole in the shell (pecan weevil) or any indication of an insect, that confirms that it is a disease. The most common disease is pecan scab. Unfortunately, for the home owner there is no good way to prevent scab. You need to be able to blow fungicide high up in the tree which requires air blast sprayers which the home owner does not have. Once in ten years or so when the spring is dry and not conducive to scab you will get a crop.
Related Resources:
Pecan Diseases
Pecan Pest Management: Insects and Diseases
Home Pecan Diseases and Control
Last year my neighbor had pecans (shells) that didn't make kernels? What could have caused that?
Answer:
Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison says the most likely reason for this problem is pecan scab. If you don’t see a hole in the shell (pecan weevil) or any indication of an insect, that confirms that it is a disease. The most common disease is pecan scab. Unfortunately, for the home owner there is no good way to prevent scab. You need to be able to blow fungicide high up in the tree which requires air blast sprayers which the home owner does not have. Once in ten years or so when the spring is dry and not conducive to scab you will get a crop.
Related Resources:
Pecan Diseases
Pecan Pest Management: Insects and Diseases
Home Pecan Diseases and Control