How to use this calendar: Select one or more section checkboxes to show only those topics, such as Tree Phenology, Disease Management, or Irrigation. Select one or more month checkboxes to limit the calendar to those months. If all section boxes are checked, all topics are shown. If no month boxes are checked, all months are shown. You can combine both filters at the same time—for example, you can view only Irrigation in July and August. Uncheck boxes to hide information you do not need.
Bearing trees only
Both non-bearing and bearing trees
Non-bearing trees only
| Month | Management Activities |
|---|---|
| January |
Tree Phenology
Dormant
Fertilization
Take soil samples
Apply lime
Zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium may be applied to the orchard floor
Other Production Activities
Thin overcrowded orchards
Clean up limbs and debris
Service and repair equipment
Collect and store graftwood
Dig trees
Prune, hedge, or train trees
Plant or move trees
Plant nuts
|
| February |
Tree Phenology
Dormant
Insect and Mite Pest Management
Ambrosia beetles:
Deploy alcohol-baited log traps along borders of wooded areas adjacent to young orchards. Look for holes and sawdust toothpicks as signs of attacks. Once attacks are detected on traps, scout for attacks on vulnerable trees (young, stressed, and under flooded conditions). Spray pyrethroids every seven to 10 days on infested trees. Fertilization
Take soil samples
Apply lime
Zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium may be applied to the orchard floor
Apply potassium to dry and irrigated orchards
Other Production Activities
Thin overcrowded orchards
Clean up limbs and debris
Service and repair equipment
Collect and store graftwood
Dig trees
Prune, hedge, or train trees
Plant or move trees
Plant nuts
Whip graft
|
| March |
Tree Phenology
Dormant
Bud break
Disease Management
Fungicide sprays at budbreak
Insect and Mite Pest Management
Phylloxera:
For orchards with a previous history of infestation, treat with imidacloprid at budbreak. Ambrosia beetles:
Deploy alcohol-baited log traps along borders of wooded areas adjacent to young orchards. Look for holes and sawdust toothpicks as signs of attacks. Once attacks are detected on traps, scout for attacks on vulnerable trees (young, stressed, and under flooded conditions). Spray pyrethroids every seven to 10 days on infested trees. Fertilization
Take soil samples
Apply lime
Apply all potassium and phosphorus
Fertilize dryland orchards according to leaf and soil analysis
Irrigation
1- to 3-year-old trees: Apply 100 gallons per week
Other Production Activities
Prune, hedge, or train trees
Plant or move trees
Plant nuts
Whip graft
|
| April |
Tree Phenology
Prepollination:
10 to 14 days Pollination
Vegetative growth
Disease Management
Prepollination fungicide sprays at 10- to 14-day intervals based on disease potential
Pecan scab is possible on immature foliage and expanding wood throughout the year. Most young, non-bearing trees do not require fungicide applications.
With highly susceptible cultivars (e.g., ‘Desirable’ and ‘Pawnee’), fungicide applications can be coordinated with insecticide applications.
Insect and Mite Pest Management
Nut casebearers:
Deploy sex pheromone-baited traps in mid-April. After 10 to 14 days, scout for eggs and larvae. Nut casebearer infestation can serve as a natural thinning mechanism. Treat only if needed (early to mid-May). Yellow aphid and blackmargined aphid:
Early-season aphid infestation rarely requires control. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides. If late-season infestation occurs, rotate materials. Leaf-feeding caterpillars (walnut caterpillars and webworms):
These pests occur in groups. Use physical removal when under light infestation levels. Treatment with caterpillar products may be necessary under high infestation. Phylloxera:
For orchards with a previous history of infestation, treat with imidacloprid at budbreak. Ambrosia beetles:
Deploy alcohol-baited log traps along borders of wooded areas adjacent to young orchards. Look for holes and sawdust toothpicks as signs of attacks. Once attacks are detected on traps, scout for attacks on vulnerable trees (young, stressed, and under flooded conditions). Spray pyrethroids every seven to 10 days on infested trees. Bud moths:
Trees with new growth are vulnerable to attacks by bud moth larvae. Scout for rolled-up leaves and dead terminals. Treatment should be done before larvae bore into the shoots. Feeding can kill main terminals causing lateral branching. Use insecticides targeting caterpillars. Borers (flatheaded apple tree borers, twig girdlers, twig pruners):
Infestations from these borers are sporadic and patchy. Keep an eye on the types of injuries they can cause on young trees. Fertilization
Make first nitrogen application to mature trees:
Two-thirds of total expected annual rate Make foliar zinc, nickel, and boron applications
Fertilize young trees (second year and up)
Irrigation
48-70 gal/tree/day
576-840 gal/acre/day 16-20% full capacity Drip cycle: 60% Sprinkler (in./acre): 0.5 in. Turn irrigation off for three days when receiving >1 in. of rain. Sandy soils: Use higher end of rate Clay soils: Use lower end of rate 1- to 3-year-old trees:
Apply 100 gallons per week Other Production Activities
Apply herbicides as needed
Bark graft
Four flap graft
|
| May |
Tree Phenology
Pollination
Postpollination:
Stigmas turn brown; catkins drop; first nut drop occurs; one to 21 days Vegetative growth
Disease Management
Postpollination fungicide sprays at 10- to 21-day intervals based on disease potential.
Close to 10 days during wet weather toward the end of the month. Pecan scab is possible on immature foliage and expanding wood throughout the year. Most young, non-bearing trees do not require fungicide applications.
With highly susceptible cultivars (e.g., ‘Desirable’ and ‘Pawnee’), fungicide applications can be coordinated with insecticide applications.
Insect and Mite Pest Management
Nut casebearers:
Deploy sex pheromone-baited traps in mid-April. After 10 to 14 days, scout for eggs and larvae. Nut casebearer infestation can serve as a natural thinning mechanism. Treat only if needed (early to mid-May). Yellow aphid and blackmargined aphid:
Early-season aphid infestation rarely requires control. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides. If late-season infestation occurs, rotate materials. Leaf-feeding caterpillars (walnut caterpillars and webworms):
These pests occur in groups. Use physical removal when under light infestation levels. Treatment with caterpillar products may be necessary under high infestation. May/June beetles:
Infestations are sporadic and irregular. They actively feed at night so injuries are not normally associated with insect presence during daytime. Bud moths:
Trees with new growth are vulnerable to attacks by bud moth larvae. Scout for rolled-up leaves and dead terminals. Treatment should be done before larvae bore into the shoots. Feeding can kill main terminals causing lateral branching. Use insecticides targeting caterpillars. Borers (flatheaded apple tree borers, twig girdlers, twig pruners):
Infestations from these borers are sporadic and patchy. Keep an eye on the types of injuries they can cause on young trees. Fertilization
Make first nitrogen application to mature trees:
Two-thirds of total expected annual rate Make foliar zinc, nickel, and boron applications
Fertilize young trees (second year and up)
Irrigation
75-105 gal/tree/day
900-1260 gal/acre/day 25-30% full capacity Drip cycle: 70% Sprinkler (in./acre): 0.75 in. Turn irrigation off for three days when receiving >1 in. of rain. Sandy soils: Use higher end of rate Clay soils: Use lower end of rate 1- to 3-year-old trees:
Apply 100 gallons per week Other Production Activities
Keep orchard mowed:
Unless allowing clover to re-seed Summer hedge pruning
|
| June |
Tree Phenology
Postpollination:
Stigmas turn brown; catkins drop; first nut drop occurs; one to 21 days Early nut sizing:
Nuts grow slowly; fertilization occurs; second nut drop Rapid nut sizing:
Nuts grow rapidly but no kernel development yet; early water stage; third nut drop Disease Management
Postpollination fungicide sprays at 10- to 21-day intervals based on disease potential.
Close to 10 days during wet weather toward the end of the month. Pecan scab is possible on immature foliage and expanding wood throughout the year. Most young, non-bearing trees do not require fungicide applications.
With highly susceptible cultivars (e.g., ‘Desirable’ and ‘Pawnee’), fungicide applications can be coordinated with insecticide applications.
Insect and Mite Pest Management
Nut casebearers:
Deploy sex pheromone-baited traps in mid-April. After 10 to 14 days, scout for eggs and larvae. Nut casebearer infestation can serve as a natural thinning mechanism. Treat only if needed (early to mid-May). Hickory shuckworms:
Orchards with a previous history of shuckworm may need to treat as early as the beginning of June. Orchards with phylloxera infestations may need to manage for shuckworm using caterpillar products. Yellow aphid and blackmargined aphid:
Early-season aphid infestation rarely requires control. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides. If late-season infestation occurs, rotate materials. Leaf-feeding caterpillars (walnut caterpillars and webworms):
These pests occur in groups. Use physical removal when under light infestation levels. Treatment with caterpillar products may be necessary under high infestation. May/June beetles:
Infestations are sporadic and irregular. They actively feed at night so injuries are not normally associated with insect presence during daytime. Bud moths:
Trees with new growth are vulnerable to attacks by bud moth larvae. Scout for rolled-up leaves and dead terminals. Treatment should be done before larvae bore into the shoots. Feeding can kill main terminals causing lateral branching. Use insecticides targeting caterpillars. Borers (flatheaded apple tree borers, twig girdlers, twig pruners):
Infestations from these borers are sporadic and patchy. Keep an eye on the types of injuries they can cause on young trees. Fertilization
Make second nitrogen application to mature trees if crop load is good:
One-third of total expected annual rate Apply nickel sprays to mouse ear affected trees as needed
Make foliar sulfur applications
Fertilize first-year trees exhibiting good growth, and make second fertilizer application to second-year trees and up
Make foliar zinc and nickel applications if new growth flush is present or deficiency symptoms appear
Irrigation
90-140 gal/tree/day
1080-1680 gal/acre/day 35-40% full capacity Drip cycle: 80% Sprinkler (in./acre): 1.0 in. Turn irrigation off for three days when receiving >1 in. of rain. Sandy soils: Use higher end of rate Clay soils: Use lower end of rate 1- to 3-year-old trees:
Apply 100 gallons per week Other Production Activities
Examine June drop and determine cause:
Pollination- or insect-induced Keep orchard mowed:
Mechanical or chemical mowing Apply herbicides as needed
Summer hedge pruning
|
| July |
Tree Phenology
Rapid nut sizing:
Nuts grow rapidly but no kernel development yet; early water stage; third nut drop Late nut sizing:
Mid-water stage. Shell hardening begins at tip. Second vegetative growth flush
Disease Management
Continue fungicide sprays at 14-day intervals
Pecan scab is possible on immature foliage and expanding wood throughout the year. Most young, non-bearing trees do not require fungicide applications.
With highly susceptible cultivars (e.g., ‘Desirable’ and ‘Pawnee’), fungicide applications can be coordinated with insecticide applications.
Insect and Mite Pest Management
Hickory shuckworms:
Orchards with a previous history of shuckworm may need to treat as early as the beginning of June. Orchards with phylloxera infestations may need to manage for shuckworm using caterpillar products. Pecan weevils:
High emergence occurs from late July to late September. Deploy traps in late July in orchard blocks with known history of infestation. Monitor regularly for captures and treat whenever sustained captures are observed, especially following rain. Stink bugs:
Maturing nuts and matured nuts can be vulnerable to stink bug attack. Pheromone traps and visual surveys can be used to monitor stink bug populations depending on the species. Black pecan aphid:
High numbers or signs of infestation are common later in the season. Feeding from black aphids cause necrotic areas on the leaves. Repeated gibberellic acid sprays starting mid-July to prevent injury and aphid establishment in orchards. If established, use aphid-targeted materials to control. It’s best to rotate materials to delay insecticide resistance. Leaf scorch mites:
Infestation can occur when broad-spectrum insecticides were used earlier in the season and during hot and dry weather. Scout for leaf scorch mites on the underside of leaves, particulary along the mid-vein. Yellow aphid and blackmargined aphid:
Early-season aphid infestation rarely requires control. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides. If late-season infestation occurs, rotate materials. Leaf-feeding caterpillars (walnut caterpillars and webworms):
These pests occur in groups. Use physical removal when under light infestation levels. Treatment with caterpillar products may be necessary under high infestation. Bud moths:
Trees with new growth are vulnerable to attacks by bud moth larvae. Scout for rolled-up leaves and dead terminals. Treatment should be done before larvae bore into the shoots. Feeding can kill main terminals causing lateral branching. Use insecticides targeting caterpillars. Borers (flatheaded apple tree borers, twig girdlers, twig pruners):
Infestations from these borers are sporadic and patchy. Keep an eye on the types of injuries they can cause on young trees. Fertilization
Make second nitrogen application to mature trees if crop load is good:
One-third of total expected annual rate Obtain leaf tissue samples 75 pairs of middle leaflets from the dominant tree variety
Soil samples may be taken
Make foliar sulfur applications
Fertilize first-year trees exhibiting good growth, and make second fertilizer application to second-year trees and up
Make foliar zinc and nickel applications if new growth flush is present or deficiency symptoms appear
Irrigation
120-158 gal/tree/day
1440-1896 gal/acre/day 45-50% full capacity Drip cycle: 90% Sprinkler (in./acre): 1.25 in. Turn irrigation off for three days when receiving >1 in. of rain. Sandy soils: Use higher end of rate Clay soils: Use lower end of rate 1- to 3-year-old trees:
Apply 100 gallons per week Other Production Activities
Fruit thin
Keep orchard mowed:
Mechanical or chemical mowing Summer hedge pruning
Apply herbicides as needed
Patch bud
Order new trees for planting
|
| August |
Tree Phenology
Late nut sizing:
Mid-water stage. Shell hardening begins at tip. Early kernel filling:
Water stage; shell hardening half complete Kernel filling:
Late water stage; early gel and dough stages; shell hardening complete Flower induction for next crop year
Disease Management
Continue fungicide sprays at 14-day intervals
Pecan scab is possible on immature foliage and expanding wood throughout the year. Most young, non-bearing trees do not require fungicide applications.
With highly susceptible cultivars (e.g., ‘Desirable’ and ‘Pawnee’), fungicide applications can be coordinated with insecticide applications.
Insect and Mite Pest Management
Hickory shuckworms:
Orchards with a previous history of shuckworm may need to treat as early as the beginning of June. Orchards with phylloxera infestations may need to manage for shuckworm using caterpillar products. Pecan weevils:
High emergence occurs from late July to late September. Deploy traps in late July in orchard blocks with known history of infestation. Monitor regularly for captures and treat whenever sustained captures are observed, especially following rain. Stink bugs:
Maturing nuts and matured nuts can be vulnerable to stink bug attack. Pheromone traps and visual surveys can be used to monitor stink bug populations depending on the species. Black pecan aphid:
High numbers or signs of infestation are common later in the season. Feeding from black aphids cause necrotic areas on the leaves. Repeated gibberellic acid sprays starting mid-July to prevent injury and aphid establishment in orchards. If established, use aphid-targeted materials to control. It’s best to rotate materials to delay insecticide resistance. Leaf scorch mites:
Infestation can occur when broad-spectrum insecticides were used earlier in the season and during hot and dry weather. Scout for leaf scorch mites on the underside of leaves, particulary along the mid-vein. Yellow aphid and blackmargined aphid:
Early-season aphid infestation rarely requires control. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides. If late-season infestation occurs, rotate materials. Leaf-feeding caterpillars (walnut caterpillars and webworms):
These pests occur in groups. Use physical removal when under light infestation levels. Treatment with caterpillar products may be necessary under high infestation. Borers (flatheaded apple tree borers, twig girdlers, twig pruners):
Infestations from these borers are sporadic and patchy. Keep an eye on the types of injuries they can cause on young trees. Fertilization
Assess crop load, and if heavy, make third nitrogen application to mature trees:
One-third of total expected annual rate. Do not apply nitrogen if there is no crop on trees. Obtain leaf tissue samples 75 pairs of middle leaflets from the dominant tree variety
Soil samples may be taken
Irrigation
300-350 gal/tree/day
3600-4200 gal/acre/day 100% full capacity Drip cycle: 100% Sprinkler (in./acre): 1.5 in. Turn irrigation off for three days when receiving >1 in. of rain. Sandy soils: Use higher end of rate Clay soils: Use lower end of rate 1- to 3-year-old trees:
Apply 100 gallons per week Other Production Activities
Fruit thin
Apply herbicides as needed
Patch bud
Order new trees for planting
|
| September |
Tree Phenology
Kernel filling:
Late water stage; early gel and dough stages; shell hardening complete Flower induction for next crop year
Late kernel filling:
Late dough stage; kernel development near completion Disease Management
Fungicide may be needed under heavy disease pressure
Pecan scab is possible on immature foliage and expanding wood throughout the year. Most young, non-bearing trees do not require fungicide applications.
With highly susceptible cultivars (e.g., ‘Desirable’ and ‘Pawnee’), fungicide applications can be coordinated with insecticide applications.
Insect and Mite Pest Management
Pecan weevils:
High emergence occurs from late July to late September. Deploy traps in late July in orchard blocks with known history of infestation. Monitor regularly for captures and treat whenever sustained captures are observed, especially following rain. Stink bugs:
Maturing nuts and matured nuts can be vulnerable to stink bug attack. Pheromone traps and visual surveys can be used to monitor stink bug populations depending on the species. Black pecan aphid:
High numbers or signs of infestation are common later in the season. Feeding from black aphids cause necrotic areas on the leaves. Repeated gibberellic acid sprays starting mid-July to prevent injury and aphid establishment in orchards. If established, use aphid-targeted materials to control. It’s best to rotate materials to delay insecticide resistance. Leaf scorch mites:
Infestation can occur when broad-spectrum insecticides were used earlier in the season and during hot and dry weather. Scout for leaf scorch mites on the underside of leaves, particulary along the mid-vein. Yellow aphid and blackmargined aphid:
Early-season aphid infestation rarely requires control. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides. If late-season infestation occurs, rotate materials. Leaf-feeding caterpillars (walnut caterpillars and webworms):
These pests occur in groups. Use physical removal when under light infestation levels. Treatment with caterpillar products may be necessary under high infestation. Borers (flatheaded apple tree borers, twig girdlers, twig pruners):
Infestations from these borers are sporadic and patchy. Keep an eye on the types of injuries they can cause on young trees. Fertilization
Assess crop load, and if heavy, make third nitrogen application to mature trees:
One-third of total expected annual rate. Do not apply nitrogen if there is no crop on trees. Irrigation
300-350 gal/tree/day
3600-4200 gal/acre/day 100% full capacity Drip cycle: 100% Sprinkler (in./acre): 1.5 in. Turn irrigation off for three days when receiving >1 in. of rain. Sandy soils: Use higher end of rate Clay soils: Use lower end of rate 1- to 3-year-old trees:
Apply 100 gallons per week Other Production Activities
Prepare for harvest:
Mow orchard, remove debris, and service equipment Be aware of preharvest intervals for all chemicals applied
Apply herbicides as needed
Patch bud
|
| October |
Tree Phenology
Shuck split:
Kernel development complete; nuts can be shaken from shucks Leaf senescence
Insect and Mite Pest Management
Pecan weevils:
High emergence occurs from late July to late September. Deploy traps in late July in orchard blocks with known history of infestation. Monitor regularly for captures and treat whenever sustained captures are observed, especially following rain. Black pecan aphid:
High numbers or signs of infestation are common later in the season. Feeding from black aphids cause necrotic areas on the leaves. Repeated gibberellic acid sprays starting mid-July to prevent injury and aphid establishment in orchards. If established, use aphid-targeted materials to control. It’s best to rotate materials to delay insecticide resistance. Leaf scorch mites:
Infestation can occur when broad-spectrum insecticides were used earlier in the season and during hot and dry weather. Scout for leaf scorch mites on the underside of leaves, particulary along the mid-vein. Borers (flatheaded apple tree borers, twig girdlers, twig pruners):
Infestations from these borers are sporadic and patchy. Keep an eye on the types of injuries they can cause on young trees. Fertilization
Make nickel application to severely deficient trees
Lime, zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium may be applied
Irrigation
90-140 gal/tree/day
1080-1680 gal/acre/day 35-40% full capacity Drip cycle: 90% Sprinkler (in./acre): 1 in. Turn irrigation off for three days when receiving >1 in. of rain. Sandy soils: Use higher end of rate Clay soils: Use lower end of rate 1- to 3-year-old trees:
Stop irrigating Other Production Activities
Prevent damage to crop from nuisance wildlife
Prepare for harvest:
Mow orchard, remove debris, and service equipment Do not allow pecans to lie on ground for extended period of time
Be aware of preharvest intervals for all chemicals applied
Collect and stratify nuts for new planting
Early harvesting may begin
Nuts may need mechanical drying
Market crop
Prepare site for new planting
Apply herbicides as needed
|
| November |
Tree Phenology
Leaf senescence
Shuck split:
Kernel development complete; nuts can be shaken from shucks Fertilization
Take soil samples
Lime, zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium may be applied
Irrigation
Drip cycle: 60% Sprinkler (in./acre): 0.5 in.
Turn irrigation off for three days when receiving >1 in. of rain. Sandy soils: Use higher end of rate Clay soils: Use lower end of rate Other Production Activities
Harvest early for top quality and price
Do not allow pecans to lie on ground for extended period of time
Collect and stratify nuts for new planting
Prevent damage to crop from nuisance wildlife
Market crop
Prepare site for new planting
|
| December |
Tree Phenology
Dormant
Fertilization
Take soil samples
Lime, zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium may be applied
Other Production Activities
Continue harvest and marketing of crop if not complete
Thin overcrowded orchards
Clean up limbs and debris
Service and repair equipment
Dig up nursery trees
Prune or train trees
Plant trees
|
The original authors of this manuscript are Angelita L. Acebes-Doria, formerly in the Department of Entomology, UGA-Tifton; Lenny Wells, Department of Horticulture, UGA-Tifton; Andrew Sawyer, UGA Extension Southeast District; Jason Brock, Department of Plant Pathology, UGA-Tifton; and Will Hudson, retired, Department of Entomology, UGA-Athens.
