Darrell Blackwelder 
Farm Scene for the Salisbury Post 
December 18, 2001 
  

     I always received inquiries about pecans during the 
holidays. Pecan harvest at this time of  year is welcom. Below 
are few of the questions I receive and possible solutions. 
  

      **Question: My pecans don't produce each year.  How can I 
make them bare fruit each year? 
     Answer: Pecans are on the border in this area of being 
productive.  These trees do very well on the east coast and 
lower south.  The further north and west, especially in the 
mountains, the poorer the response, however, a decent crop can be 
produced in this area.  Pollination may be the problem.  The male 
and female flower of the pecan are separate and do not mature at 
the same time during the spring.  A late frost, heavy downpour or 
other physcial factor may prevent adequet pollination.  Planting 
more than one variety nearby increases chances of pollination. 
This is a common problem often refered to as biennial bearing. 
      **My pecans have dark spot on the kernals? What is this and 
how do I prevent this? 
     Answer:  Stink bugs and leaf­footed stink bugs are the 
culprits of this type of damage.   These insects feed on the 
kernals when the shell is hardening and black, tobacco colored 
stains appear on nuts later.  This is often refered to as biter 
pit.  This species over­winters in orchard debris.  Eggs are 
layed on grass and in soybean fields producing four generations a 
year. Remove debris from around the tree and don't plant soybeans 
nearby if possible.  Reduce broadleaf weeds underneath the tree. 
Burlap sacks tied around tree to monitor weevil infestation. 
      **My pecans are fuzzy and shriveled.  What causes this? 
Answer: This problem is a result of stress during growing season, 
often by inadequet moisture.  Irrigation during late summer 
droughts is the only solution to this problem. 
     **After a few weeks my pecans become bitter.What can I do to prevent this? 
     Answer: Pecan have a high oil content.  Over a certain 
amount of time the oils within the nut turn rancid.  Store short 
term at 32 degrees in the refridgerator up to one year.  For 
longer periods place in the freezer. 
     **How do I keep the squirrels out of my pecan trees? 
 Answer:Mylar balloons, plastic owls and hawks may provide 
some control. Squirrels may be controlled by placing a 2 foot 
wide strip of metal all away around the tree.  Be careful not to 
girdle the tree; use springs to hold the metal tight and allow 
for trunk expansion. 
     **I have these black spots all over nut case and leaves. 
What is this and how do I control the problem? 
 Answer: The problem is caused by a fungus called pecan scab. 
There is no effect control with pesticides because of shear size 
of some trees.  Plant resistant varieties and remove leaf and 
limb debris as soon as possible to prevent reinfection. 
     Those that would like more information on pecans can call 
the Extension Office at 633­0571 and ask for "Growing Pecans in 
North Carolina" AG­81.