Why do my pecans drop early? The nuts and leaves are covered with small brown spots?
Pecan scab is a fungus disease that over-winters on old leaves, shucks and twigs and is blown to developing foliage and fruit in the spring and early summer. Spores infect the new tissue, causing spotting of the nuts and blighting of the foliage. Infected tissue produces more spores which causes more disease infection. Spots are olive-brown in color and up to 1/4 inch in diameter. In severe case, trees partially or totally defoliate and the pecan nuts drop prematurely. Control is very difficult for homeowners with limited or no means of spraying control materials high into large trees. On smaller pecan trees, treat with a home orchard spray or other recommended fungicides to control pecan scab. Collect and dispose of old shucks, nuts on the ground and other pecan debris. ************** I want to plant several apples trees in my backyard this fall. How do I select quality plants? Be careful in purchasing apple trees. Often, bargain plants are not healthy or may not be a variety adapted
