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 |
|---|---|
| Jan |
Tree Phenology Dormant
Fertilization Take soil samples
Fertilization Apply lime
Fertilization Zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium may be applied to the orchard floor
Fertilization Apply potassium to dry and irrigated orchards
Other Production Activities Thin overcrowded orchards
Other Production Activities Clean up limbs and debris
Other Production Activities Service and repair equipment
Other Production Activities Collect and store graftwood
Other Production Activities Dig trees
|
| Feb |
Tree Phenology Dormant
Fertilization Apply all potassium and phosphorus
Fertilization Apply potassium to dry and irrigated orchards
Fertilization Fertilize dryland orchards according to leaf and soil analysis
Other Production Activities Prune, hedge, or train trees
Other Production Activities Plant or move trees
Other Production Activities Plant nuts
|
| Mar |
Tree Phenology 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.
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 Apply all potassium and phosphorus
Fertilization Fertilize dryland orchards according to leaf and soil analysis
Fertilization Make foliar zinc, nickel, and boron applications
Irrigation 1- to 3-year-old trees: Apply 100 gallons per week
Other Production Activities Whip graft
Other Production Activities Bark graft
|
| Apr |
Tree Phenology Vegetative growth
Tree Phenology Prepollination 10 to 14 days
Disease Management Prepollination fungicide sprays at 10- to 14-day intervals based on disease potential
Disease Management Pecan scab is possible on immature foliage and expanding wood throughout the year. Most young, non-bearing trees do not require fungicide applications.
Disease Management With highly susceptible cultivars (e.g., ‘Desirable’ and ‘Pawnee’), fungicide applications can be coordinated with insecticide applications.
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.
Insect and Mite Pest Management 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.
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).
Fertilization Make foliar zinc, nickel, and boron applications
Fertilization Make first nitrogen application to mature trees Two-thirds of total expected annual rate
Fertilization 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.
Other Production Activities Four flap graft
|
| May |
Tree Phenology Pollination
Tree Phenology Postpollination Stigmas turn brown; catkins drop; first nut drop occurs; one to 21 days
Disease Management Prepollination fungicide sprays at 10- to 14-day intervals based on disease potential
Disease Management Postpollination fungicide sprays at 10- to 21-day intervals based on disease potential
Disease Management Pecan scab is possible on immature foliage and expanding wood throughout the year. Most young, non-bearing trees do not require fungicide applications.
Disease Management With highly susceptible cultivars (e.g., ‘Desirable’ and ‘Pawnee’), fungicide applications can be coordinated with insecticide applications.
Insect and Mite Pest Management 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.
Insect and Mite Pest Management 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.
Insect and Mite Pest Management Yellow aphid and blackmargined aphid Early-season aphid infestation rarely requires control. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides. If late-season infestation occurs, rotate materials.
Insect and Mite Pest Management 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.
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).
Fertilization Make first nitrogen application to mature trees Two-thirds of total expected annual rate
Fertilization 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.
Other Production Activities Keep orchard mowed Unless allowing clover to re-seed
|
| Jun |
Tree Phenology Early nut sizing Nuts grow slowly; fertilization occurs; second nut drop
Disease Management Postpollination fungicide sprays at 10- to 21-day intervals based on disease potential
Disease Management Pecan scab is possible on immature foliage and expanding wood throughout the year. Most young, non-bearing trees do not require fungicide applications.
Disease Management With highly susceptible cultivars (e.g., ‘Desirable’ and ‘Pawnee’), fungicide applications can be coordinated with insecticide applications.
Insect and Mite Pest Management 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.
Insect and Mite Pest Management Yellow aphid and blackmargined aphid Early-season aphid infestation rarely requires control. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides. If late-season infestation occurs, rotate materials.
Insect and Mite Pest Management 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.
Insect and Mite Pest Management May/June beetles Infestations are sporadic and irregular. They actively feed at night so injuries are not normally associated with insect presence during daytime.
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.
Fertilization Apply nickel sprays to mouse ear affected trees as needed
Fertilization Make foliar sulfur applications
Fertilization Make second nitrogen application to mature trees if crop load is good One-third of total expected annual rate
Fertilization Fertilize first-year trees exhibiting good growth, and make second fertilizer application to second-year trees and up
Irrigation 90-140 gal/tree/day 1080-1680 gal/acre/day 35-40% full capacity Drip cycle: 80% Sprinkler (in./acre): 1.0 in.
Other Production Activities Examine June drop and determine cause Pollination- or insect-induced
Other Production Activities Apply herbicides as needed
|
| Jul |
Tree Phenology Second vegetative growth flush
Tree Phenology 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
Disease Management Close to 10 days during wet weather toward the end of the month
Disease Management Pecan scab is possible on immature foliage and expanding wood throughout the year. Most young, non-bearing trees do not require fungicide applications.
Disease Management With highly susceptible cultivars (e.g., ‘Desirable’ and ‘Pawnee’), fungicide applications can be coordinated with insecticide applications.
Insect and Mite Pest Management 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.
Insect and Mite Pest Management 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.
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.
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.
Fertilization Make second nitrogen application to mature trees if crop load is good One-third of total expected annual rate
Fertilization Fertilize first-year trees exhibiting good growth, and make second fertilizer application to second-year trees and up
Fertilization Obtain leaf tissue samples 75 pairs of middle leaflets from the dominant tree variety
Fertilization Soil samples may be taken
Fertilization 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.
Other Production Activities Fruit thin
Other Production Activities Keep orchard mowed Mechanical or chemical mowing
Other Production Activities Summer hedge pruning
Other Production Activities Apply herbicides as needed
|
| Aug |
Tree Phenology Late nut sizing Mid-water stage Shell hardening begins at tip
Tree Phenology Early kernel filling Water stage; shell hardening half complete
Disease Management Continue fungicide sprays at 14-day intervals
Disease Management Pecan scab is possible on immature foliage and expanding wood throughout the year. Most young, non-bearing trees do not require fungicide applications.
Disease Management With highly susceptible cultivars (e.g., ‘Desirable’ and ‘Pawnee’), fungicide applications can be coordinated with insecticide applications.
Insect and Mite Pest Management 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.
Insect and Mite Pest Management 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.
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.
Insect and Mite Pest Management 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.
Fertilization Obtain leaf tissue samples 75 pairs of middle leaflets from the dominant tree variety
Fertilization Soil samples may be taken
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
Fertilization Make foliar zinc and nickel applications if new growth flush is present or deficiency symptoms appear
Irrigation 300-350 gal/tree/day 3600-4200 gal/acre/day 100% full capacity Drip cycle: 100% Sprinkler (in./acre): 1.5 in.
Other Production Activities Apply herbicides as needed
Other Production Activities Patch bud
Other Production Activities Prepare for harvest Mow orchard, remove debris, and service equipment
Other Production Activities Order new trees for planting
|
| Sep |
Tree Phenology Kernel filling Late water stage; early gel and dough stages; shell hardening complete
Tree Phenology Flower induction for next crop year
Disease Management Fungicide may be needed under heavy disease pressure
Disease Management Pecan scab is possible on immature foliage and expanding wood throughout the year. Most young, non-bearing trees do not require fungicide applications.
Disease Management With highly susceptible cultivars (e.g., ‘Desirable’ and ‘Pawnee’), fungicide applications can be coordinated with insecticide applications.
Insect and Mite Pest Management 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.
Insect and Mite Pest Management 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.
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.
Insect and Mite Pest Management 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.
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.
Other Production Activities Prepare for harvest Mow orchard, remove debris, and service equipment
Other Production Activities Be aware of preharvest intervals for all chemicals applied
|
| Oct |
Tree Phenology Late kernel filling Late dough stage; kernel development near completion
Tree Phenology Shuck split Kernel development complete; nuts can be shaken from shucks
Disease Management Fungicide may be needed under heavy disease pressure
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.
Insect and Mite Pest Management 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.
Fertilization Make nickel application to severely deficient trees
Irrigation 90-140 gal/tree/day 1080-1680 gal/acre/day 35-40% full capacity Drip cycle: 90% Sprinkler (in./acre): 1 in.
Other Production Activities Early harvesting may begin
Other Production Activities Harvest early for top quality and price
Other Production Activities Nuts may need mechanical drying
Other Production Activities Do not allow pecans to lie on ground for extended period of time
Other Production Activities Collect and stratify nuts for new planting
Other Production Activities Prevent damage to crop from nuisance wildlife
|
| Nov |
Tree Phenology Leaf senescence
Fertilization Take soil samples
Fertilization Lime, zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium may be applied
Irrigation Drip cycle: 60% Sprinkler (in./acre): 0.5 in.
Irrigation 1- to 3-year-old trees: Stop irrigating
Other Production Activities Market crop
Other Production Activities Prepare site for new planting
Other Production Activities Continue harvest and marketing of crop if not complete
Other Production Activities Thin overcrowded orchards
|
| Dec |
Tree Phenology Dormant
Fertilization Take soil samples
Fertilization Lime, zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium may be applied
Other Production Activities Clean up limbs and debris
Other Production Activities Service and repair equipment
Other Production Activities Dig up nursery trees
Other Production Activities Prune or train trees
Other Production Activities 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.
