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November 3, 2000

Pecans are scarce in 2000

All across the state, and much of the South, pecans are few and far between this year. A bumper crop in 1999 and the subsequent drought have impacted production. Pecan drop has been early in some parts of the state, but quality seems to be good. That's it in a nutshell, according to the Texas Cooperative l Extension.

In September, Extension Agent Bill Ree, a pecan entomologist, worried that the drought could impair quality.

"It has been so hot and dry. Even with irrigation, the crop needed late-season moisture in July, August and September to fill out the nut size and kernel," said Ree.

Cindy Wise, executive vice president of the Texas Pecan Growers' Association, said it is too early to determine the drought's impact on pecans.

"We don't yet know the extent of the drought's effect," she said. "This is going to be a light year anyway, because last year there was such a heavy crop."

Wise said this is an off year for pecans, and 36 million pounds are expected in Texas. Pecan trees produce in cycles, and in an off year, native pecans will produce at a lower level to allow the trees to replenish themselves. South Texas growers were harvesting the Pawnee and Wichita varieties in September.

"Early reports are positive," said Wise. "Those growers who have harvested are saying quality looks good."

District Extension Director Charles Neeb said pecans are developing well in most parts of Far West Texas.

"The black pecan aphid did not materialize as expected," he said. "Although shuck worm damage is appearing in some counties."

District Extension Director Scott Durham said nut development continues for pecans in West Central Texas.

"However, leaves are burning up," he said. "And some trees have not made it through the drought."

District Extension Director Dr. Bob Robinson of Amarillo also expressed concerns about the dry conditions that continued in the Panhandle in early fall and how that might affect the pecan crop there.

"Temperatures have moderated somewhat, but they continue to be 10 to 15 degrees higher than normal," he said. "All dryland crops are extremely drought-stressed."

Texas is the second largest producer of pecans in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Pecans provide $62 million for growers and generate over $200 million in the Texas economy, according to the USDA.