A Closer Look at Popular Pecan Types in Arizona
Arizona, situated in the southwestern region of the United States, is a great state for growing pecans. And we should know, we grow them right here in the Grand Canyon State! And why is that? Because the climate in this part of the country provides ideal conditions for the growth of pecan trees. In fact, Arizona is home to over 60,000 acres of pecan orchards and is the third-largest producer of pecans in the United States, making it an important contributor to the country's pecan industry. We’re proud to play our part in advancing the cause of pecans in Arizona and around the world.
A Great Climate for Pecans
The hot and dry climate of Arizona is perfect for the growth of pecan trees. Pecan trees thrive in areas with long, hot summers and mild winters. We have an abundance of both in Arizona. The southwestern region of the United States, which includes Arizona, has a semi-arid climate, with low humidity and high temperatures during the summer months. These conditions are ideal for the growth of pecan trees, as they require a lot of sunlight and warm temperatures to grow and produce fruit.
In addition to the climate, the soil in Arizona is also great for pecan tree growers. The state's soil is rich in nutrients, which helps the trees grow and produce high-quality nuts. The availability of water is another important factor in the growth of pecan trees. It may be the high desert, but Arizona has an extensive irrigation system that ensures the trees have access to sufficient water during the hot and dry summer months.
Because of the perfect climate, ideal for pecan-growing, Arizona is home to several varieties of pecan trees, including the Western Schley, the Wichita, and the Apache. These varieties are well-suited to the state's climate and soil conditions and are known for producing large, high-quality nuts. The Western Schley is particularly popular in Arizona, as it is a fast-growing tree that produces a high yield of nuts. Let’s take a closer look at each of these pecan types in greater detail.
More About the Western Schley
The Western Schley pecan is a popular variety of pecan tree well-suited for growing in the arid climate of Arizona. This variety of pecan tree is a hybrid between the Mahan and Schley pecan varieties and was developed in the early 1900s by the United States Department of Agriculture.
So, what makes the Western Schley so special? Well, this particular variety of pecan tree is known for its fast growth and high yield of large, thin-shelled nuts. The nuts are oval-shaped and have a smooth, light brown shell. They have a rich, buttery flavor and are a popular choice for baking and cooking.
One of the advantages of the Western Schley pecan tree is its adaptability to different soil conditions. This variety of pecan tree can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The Western Schley is also able to tolerate alkaline soils, which can be a problem for some other varieties of pecan trees.
The Western Schley pecan tree is a popular choice for growers in Arizona. It’s certainly one of our favorites! This variety of pecan tree requires a lot of sunlight and warm temperatures to grow and produce nuts. The Western Schley is also known for its resistance to pecan scab, a fungal disease that can affect the yield and quality of pecans. This variety of pecan tree can produce large crops of nuts, which makes it a popular choice for commercial growers. With its adaptability, disease resistance, and high yield, the Western Schley is an important contributor to the pecan industry in Arizona and beyond.
More About the Wichita Pecan
The Wichita pecan is another popular variety of pecan tree that is commonly grown in Arizona and other parts of the southwestern United States. Much like the Western Schley, this variety of pecan tree was developed in the early 1900s by the United States Department of Agriculture, and is named after the city of Wichita, Kansas.
The Wichita pecan tree is known for its strong, upright growth habit and its high yield of large, meaty nuts. The nuts produced by the Wichita pecan tree have a medium to dark brown shell, and much like other western pecans, a rich, buttery flavor. Much like the Western Schley, the nuts are also popular for use in baking and cooking. The Wichita pecan tree is also able to tolerate a range of temperatures and moisture levels, making it a versatile choice for growers in different regions.
The Wichita pecan tree is also known for its disease resistance, particularly to pecan scab. Pecan scab is a fungal disease that can affect the yield and quality of pecans and is a common problem for growers in humid environments. The Wichita pecan tree can resist pecan scab to a high degree, making it a popular choice for growers in regions with higher humidity.
More About the Waco Pecan
Waco is a cultivar of pecan tree that was developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Pecan Breeding Program in Brownwood, Texas. The tree is named after the city of Waco, Texas, where it was first released in 1984.
The Waco pecan tree is a hybrid of the Schley and Barton varieties and is known for its large, high-quality nuts. The tree is also relatively disease-resistant and has good resistance to scab, a common fungal disease that can damage pecan trees.
Waco pecans have a rich, buttery flavor and are often used in a variety of dishes, including pies, cakes, and other desserts. And much like the other varieties of pecan we have discussed here, they are also a good source of nutrients, including healthy fats, protein, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals. They’re both delicious and good for you. What’s not to like about that?
While Waco pecans are primarily grown in Texas and other southern states, they can be grown in other regions with similar climate and soil conditions. As with any pecan variety, it is important to choose the right rootstock, practice proper care and management, and consult with local experts to ensure the tree's success.
The Methodology Behind Growing Pecan Trees
Growing pecan trees is a complex process that requires careful planning and management. Believe us, we should know. Pecan trees can take up to ten years to reach maturity, and they require regular pruning and fertilization to ensure healthy growth. In addition, pecan trees are susceptible to various pests and diseases, which can be difficult to control in moist environments. That’s why we focus on pecans perfect for our environment.
One of the advantages of growing pecan trees in Arizona is that the dry climate helps to reduce the risk of fungal infections. Fungal infections are a common problem for pecan trees, and they can significantly reduce the yield and quality of the nuts. In moist environments, the risk of fungal infections is higher, as the fungi thrive in damp conditions. Fungal infections are largely the reason why New Mexico has recently overtaken Georgia as the number one state for pecan production. Arizona's dry climate provides less opportunity for fungus to grow on the trees, making it easier to control infections and maintain healthy trees.
The pecan industry is an important part of Arizona's economy, providing jobs and income for many people in the state. According to the USDA, Arizona's utilized pecan production in 2021 was a record high 40.90 million pounds, up 40 percent from the utilized production of 29.20 million pounds in 2020. The value of 2021 Arizona pecan production was $92.84 million dollars, up 82 percent from 2020. This makes Arizona the third-largest producer of pecans in the United States, after Georgia and New Mexico.
In addition to the economic benefits, pecan trees also provide several environmental benefits. Pecan trees are known for their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the atmosphere. They also help to prevent soil erosion and provide habitat for wildlife. Many pecan orchards in Arizona are managed using sustainable farming practices, which help to minimize the impact on the environment.
Arizona is a great state for growing pecans and we are so proud to be pecan growers in the state. We just love the hot, dry climate, rich soil, and improved varieties with irrigation systems in place to meet a tree’s water demand. All of this makes Arizona an ideal location for pecan orchards. Pecan trees require careful management and are susceptible to various pests and diseases, but the dry climate in Arizona helps to reduce the risk of fungal infections, which is great for our orchards. Simply put, Arizona is an important player in the production of our favorite nut! And we’re proud to be part of the economic activity driving this state and the entire desert southwest.