Pecan Newsletter

March 2001

PECANS BUDDING OUT

Pecans are beginnings to bud out as spring arrived on March 20, 2001. Maybe winter is finally here. It has been a long extended cool winter - though not too cold.

As we begin the 2001 production season, let's try to learn more about pests and beneficials. Proper identification of an insect or mite as a pest species or beneficial insect is important in making a management decision. Many species of insects and mites are beneficial and help keep pest numbers below damaging levels. Recognizing and protecting these natural enemies is an important part of a pecan Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.

One such way is accomplished through the use of the Extension Service's "Field Guide to the Insects and Mites Associated with Pecan " publication B-6055. It is a comprehensive 130 page pocket booklet packed with pictures of most all pests and beneficials. This field guide was written to help pecan growers identify some of the insects and mites commonly seen in pecans, both pests and natural enemies.

As a native tree, the pecan has been called home by hundreds of insects. Detailed studies have reported more than 600 species of insects and 60 species of mites present in pecan trees. A very small portion of these arthropods can be pests. Many are important natural enemies of potential pests while others are a part of the orchard ecology and have no bearing on pecan production.

This field guide includes many of the more important pest and natural enemy species growers may observe in their orchards. Other insects in this guide are neither pests nor natural enemies but are often observed and stimulate curiosity. Other natural enemies, such as parasitic wasps, are important but because they are seldom seen, are not included in this guide.

To purchase the pocket guide, stop by the office or you can order it from: Publication and Supply Distribution, Texas Agricultural Extension Service, P.O. Box 1209, Bryan. TX, 77806-1209. It is $12.95 per copy, which includes postage and handling. Make checks or purchase orders payable to: Texas Agricultural Extension Service Account #233206.

LATEST PECAN RECOMMENDATIONS

Enclosed are the latest fungicide recommendations for pecan trees. It doesn't tell you when to spray but gives you the latest fungicides labeled for pecans with some remarks for each product. Also find Dr. George McEachern, Extension Horticulturist's recommendations for pecan production for the year 2001. This is very detail. I urge growers to review it in depth and attempt to follow it as close as possible. Many of you complained of little production or poor quality over the past years. Maybe this will help you in producing higher quality nuts.

Remember, trees that are stressed for years will take years to rejuvenate and come into production.

DUES TIME!!!

It is time to pay your Pecan Association Dues - only $5.00 per person gets you a free meal at the June 26^th Annual Barbeque. Mail dues to Association Treasurer, Henry Janak, 837 Wischkaemper Rd., Victoria, TX 77905.

UPCOMING EVENTS

ANNUAL VICTORIA PECAN BARBEQUE - June 26, 2001 6:30 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Hall. Bill Ree, Extension Entomologist addressing "Managing Stinkbugs in Pecans".

STATE PECAN SHOW - SEG

UIN, July 9 - 11, 2001

TRI-COUNTY PECAN FIELD DAY - Victoria, Date in July to be determined.

TEXAS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTIONS - VICTORIA & CALHOUN COUNTIES ONLY - April 21, 2001, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Victoria) & 8:00 a.m. - Noon (Calhoun). Collection site locations - 303 N. Ben Wilson (Victoria) and 800 N. Commerce (Calhoun). For more information call Steven Barger at 361-572-2213.Sincerely,

Joseph D. Janak, Jr. Sam Womble

County Extension Agent - AG County Extension Agent - AG & Natural Resources

Victoria County Victoria County

JDJ:SW:vaf

cc: Lin Wilson