What can I do to improve the quality of my pecans?
Pecan quality, during any given year, depends on the health of the tree and the environmental conditions during the growing season. There should be no standing water under the tree for over 24 hours after a rain. Surface ditches may be necessary to overcome poor drainage. Maintain a vegetative free area under the canopy of the tree or trees. Dead grass under the canopy of the tree is almost as beneficial as irrigation.Use clovers on an orchard floor to help supply needed nitrogen and also beneficial insects that feed on aphids in the pecan trees. The clover should die out by mid-summer, decreasing moisture competition. If needed, thin trees or prune single trees to insure wind movement. The disease "scab" requires moisture to grow.
Soil test and follow recommendations prior to March 15. This would eliminate any possibility of nutrient deficiencies.
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RAYMOND, Miss. -- Mississippi blueberry producers have two opportunities during February to learn more about production of the state’s largest fruit crop. The Mississippi State University Extension Service is hosting an in-person workshop and a virtual workshop.
RAYMOND, Miss. -- Current and prospective greenhouse vegetable growers can learn about the specialized production method during Mississippi State University’s 2024 Greenhouse Vegetable Short Course on Feb. 27-28. The course will be held at the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center’s Magnolia Building in Verona from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. It is open to greenhouse vegetable producers throughout the Southeast.
A late freeze, high summertime temperatures and a devastating drought mean a poor pecan crop for Mississippi in 2023.
Eric Stafne, fruit and nut specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said weather stacked the odds against a good crop this year.
