Pecan Facts: Cultivars, Graft Unions, Wood Uses, and More

Sometimes we like to take a break from lighter pecan fare to dig into the real – pun intended – “nuts and bolts” of pecans and pecan facts. What are the interesting pecan fact tidbits we didn’t think of in the past? And what do you, our loyal Delightful Pecans reader, want to know? Let’s start with what pecan trees are and then – pun again very much intended – “branch out” from there!

What is a Pecan tree?

It may seem like a simple question, but pecan trees have a name. Pecan trees are otherwise known as Carya illinoinensis and are native to North America. Pecans are a significant agricultural crop in the southern United States, and the industry generates hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue each year.

The pecan tree is called Carya illinoinensis because it belongs to the genus Carya, which includes various species of hickory trees, and it is native to the state of Illinois in the United States. The scientific name "Carya" is derived from the Greek word "karya," which means "nut," and "illinoinensis" refers to the state of Illinois where the tree was first discovered and extensively cultivated.

Here are some other fascinating facts about pecans, including information about cultivars, graft unions, wood uses, budbreak cycles, pest control, and herbicide strips.

What is a cultivar?

A cultivar is a variety of plant that has been selectively bred for specific traits, such as nut size, nut quality, and tree vigor. There are many pecan cultivars, each with unique characteristics that make them ideal for different growing conditions and purposes. Some of the most popular pecan cultivars include Desirable, Stuart, Pawnee, Wichita, and Elliott. Desirable is known for its large, high-quality nuts, while Stuart is valued for its early harvest and high yield. Pawnee is a disease-resistant cultivar that produces medium-sized nuts, and Elliott is a late-maturing cultivar with small nuts.

What is a graft union?

A graft union is a specialized joint between the scion (the top portion of a grafted tree) and the rootstock (the bottom portion of a grafted tree). Grafting is a common technique used in pecan orchards to create trees with desirable characteristics. The scion is usually a small branch or bud from a high-quality pecan tree, while the rootstock is a hardy, disease-resistant tree with strong roots. The scion is attached to the rootstock using a grafting tool, and the two parts are allowed to grow together over time. The resulting tree combines the desirable traits of the scion with the hardiness and disease resistance of the rootstock.

What is the full budbreak cycle?

The budbreak cycle is the process by which pecan trees emerge from dormancy and begin to grow new leaves and shoots. The cycle begins in the winter, when the trees enter a period of dormancy to conserve energy during cold weather. As the weather begins to warm up in the spring, the trees receive signals that it is time to start growing again. The first stage of the budbreak cycle is called silver tip, which is when the buds on the tree begin to swell and turn silver. This is followed by green tip, when the buds turn green and begin to open slightly. The next stage is bud swell, when the buds become more pronounced and the leaves inside them begin to expand. The final stage is bud break, when the leaves burst out of the bud and begin to grow rapidly.

Is early budbreak good or bad and why?

Early budbreak can be both good and bad, depending on the circumstances. On the one hand, early budbreak can allow pecan trees to begin growing earlier in the season, which can lead to larger yields and more high-quality nuts. On the other hand, early budbreak can make trees more vulnerable to late frosts and freezes, which can damage or kill the emerging buds and leaves. This can lead to reduced yields or even total crop loss in some cases. Additionally, early budbreak can be a sign of climatechange or other environmental stressors that may be affecting the tree's health and overall growth. Therefore, it is essential for pecan farmers to monitor the budbreak cycle closely and take appropriate measures to protect their trees during early growth stages, especially when the risk of frost or freeze is high.

What are the best methods of pecan pest control?

Pecan pests can be a significant threat to tree health and nut production. Some common pests include pecan weevils, aphids, mites, and stink bugs. The best methods of pest control vary depending on the specific pest and the severity of the infestation. However, some general methods include cultural practices, biological control, and chemical control.

Cultural practices involve managing the tree's growing environment to reduce the risk of pest infestations. This can include techniques such as crop rotation, planting pest-resistant cultivars, pruning, and maintaining soil health. Biological control involves introducing natural predators or parasites to control pest populations, such as releasing ladybugs to eat aphids. Chemical control involves using pesticides or insecticides to kill or repel pests. However, chemical control should be used sparingly and only when necessary to avoid harmful effects on the environment and beneficial insects.

What are the primary pests responsible for pecan tree destruction?

Several pests are responsible for causing significant damage to pecan trees. Pecan weevils are a particularly destructive pest, as they feed on the nuts and cause them to drop prematurely. They also lay eggs in the nuts, which can result in maggots infesting the kernels. Aphids can also cause damage by feeding on the tree's leaves and causing leaf curling, yellowing, and stunted growth. Mites can cause similar damage, including leaf discoloration and deformation, and can lead to defoliation if left untreated. Stink bugs are another common pest that feeds on pecan nuts and can cause significant damage to the crop if left unchecked.

Should pecan farmers use herbicide strips?

Herbicide strips are areas of bare ground around the base of pecan trees that are treated with herbicides to control weed growth. The purpose of herbicide strips is to reduce competition for water, nutrients, and light between the trees and weeds, which can lead to improved tree growth and nut production. However, there is some debate about whether herbicide strips are beneficial or harmful to pecan trees and the environment.

Proponents of herbicide strips argue that they can help reduce soil erosion, conserve water, and improve tree health and nut quality. They also suggest that herbicide strips can reduce the need for tillage, which can be harmful to the soil and disrupt soil microorganisms. However, opponents of herbicide strips argue that they can lead to increased soil compaction, reduced soil biodiversity, and increased herbicide resistance in weeds. They also suggest that herbicide strips can harm beneficial insects and other wildlife that depend on weeds for food and habitat.

What is pecan wood used for?

Pecan wood is prized for its strength, durability, and beauty. It is commonly used in furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and decorative items such as clocks and picture frames. Pecan wood has a distinctive grain pattern and a warm, rich color that makes it a popular choice for high-end woodworking projects. It is also used as a smoking wood for barbecues and grills, as it adds a sweet, nutty flavor to meats and other foods.

Pecan trees are an important agricultural crop that provides delicious nuts and valuable wood products. There is a reason, after all, why we’re pecan growers! Understanding the budbreak cycle, pest control methods, and other aspects of pecan tree cultivation is essential for farmers and enthusiasts alike. Whether you are a pecan grower, woodworker, or simply a fan of pecan pie, there is always something new and interesting to learn about this remarkable tree. Thanks for joining us on today’s informational pecan journey!