Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Byron, Georgia » Fruit and Tree Nut Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #306984
Title: Hedging, fungicide distribution and scab control

Author
item Bock, Clive
item STEVENSON, KATHERINE - University Of Georgia
item BRENNEMAN, TIM - University Of Georgia
item Hotchkiss, Michael - Mike
item SMITH, MICHAEL - University Of Oklahoma
item GOFF, WILLIAM - Auburn University
item WELLS, LENNY - University Of Georgia
item Wood, Bruce

Submitted to: Southeastern Pecan Growers Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/23/2014
Publication Date: 2/23/2014
Citation: Bock, C.H., Stevenson, K., Brenneman, T.B., Hotchkiss, M.W., Smith, M.W., Goff, W., Wells, L., Wood, B.W. 2014. Hedging, fungicide distribution and scab control. Southeastern Pecan Growers Meeting Proceedings. http:sepga.com/files/6213/9468/6929/bock.pdf.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Pecan scab, caused by the fungus Fusicladium effusum, is a major disease of pecan in the southeastern USA. In scab-prone seasons, the disease can be severe, and the resulting yield loss substantial, even when fungicides are applied. Hedging to make trees shorter (~40 ft), more manageable and also accessible to pest and disease control is being explored. Three experiments in 2013 were assessed to explore the relationship between tree height, hedging, fungicide coverage and disease severity. Non hedged trees >40ft had the most severe scab. Trees hedged to 40 ft compared with non-hedged trees of the same height had similar scab severity on foliage and fruit. Fruit weight was correlated with disease severity in all trees, hedged and non-hedged, but the loss in fruit weight was greatest in the non-hedged, tall trees (~60 ft). Hedging might be a useful tool in scab management in areas where the disease regularly causes serious yield loss.