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Submitted to: Pecan Grower
Publication Type: Trade Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 12/2/2011 Publication Date: 12/2/2012 Citation: Bock, C.H., Shapiro Ilan, D.I., Cottrell, T.E., Hotchkiss, M.W., Wood, B.W. Options for pest and disease control in organic pecan. The Pecan Grower. 23:32-46.2012.(Trade Journal). Interpretive Summary: N/A Technical Abstract: Although organic pecans typically command a higher wholesale and retail price, their production presents a unique set of challenges. Among these are issues of pest and disease management - it is not simply a modification of the conventional, pest and disease management paradigm. Despite these pest management challenges, several growers currently produce organic pecans in high pest and disease pressure regions such as GA. Specific information on organic production of pecans is limited; however, general information on organic production systems and certification is readily available. The management of pests and disease in organic pecan operations is achievable through an integrated approach. For pecan scab, use of resistant cultivars should be the first choice, and historic data exists that has established Bordeaux mixture to be efficacious although not necessarily as effective as conventional fungicides, and its unguarded use can be accompanied by a risk of phytotoxicity. Other potential disease management options for scab, including biocontrol agents, remain to be fully tested. Various biocontrol agents, biorational pesticides, or cultural techniques are available for organic control of key insect pests including pecan weevil, pecan aphids, hickory shuckworm, pecan nut casebearer and pecan leaf scorch mites. |
