Mississippi State University Extension recommends foliar applications of nutrients to maintain commercial level production of pecan trees.
For Commercial Pecan Growers
Mature Years (6+)
“Annual fertilizer applications based on leaflet analysis are necessary to maintain a commercial-level pecan orchard. The amount of fertilizer to apply can vary based on cultivar, management, site, and environment. Improved cultivars generally need more fertilizer than native/seedling pecan trees because they often produce larger nuts and have greater overall yields. Nitrogen-based fertilizer applications can be applied at one time just before budbreak (March) or as a split application with half being applied in March and the other half in May.
“Pecan trees are heavy users of zinc, and it is an essential nutrient for good growth and nut production. Zinc is commonly applied to improved cultivar pecan trees as a foliar spray. This ensures quick uptake by the tree. Young trees and fast-growing trees need applications of zinc on new growth during the spring starting at budbreak and continuing for three sprays at 2- to 3-week intervals.
“Soil applications of zinc are less effective than foliar applications and are only useful when the soil pH is below 6.0.”
22% Zinc with low Phytotoxicity Risks
TECH-FLO Zeta Zinc 22 offers 22%, or 2.62 pounds, elemental zinc per gallon to prevent and correct nutrient imbalances. Unlike other products, TECH-FLO is designed to be safe at rates high enough to make a noticeable difference in your crop. We offer several blends that are also pH neutral and combine Zinc with other nutrients such as Manganese or Copper, depending on your tissue samples and needs.
Common Nutritional Disorders in Pecans
• Mouse-ear (nutritional disorder). Symptom: leaflets with rounded, blunt ends. Mouse-ear is caused by a nickel deficiency.
• Zinc deficiency. Common symptom: “bunching” (shortening of internodes).
• Nitrogen: Potassium imbalance (Nitrogen Scorch). Early symptoms are irregular interveinal chlorosis.
If Nickel is a concern in your orchard, TECH-SPRAY Ni-Power 3-3-0 offers 2.8% Nickel.
“One of the most widely occurring nutrient disorders of pecan in the southeast is nitrogen scorch, which results from an imbalance between N and K. In most cases, the scorching is restricted to the base of the leaflet. Severe cases may result in marginal leaflet scorch and premature defoliation. Scorched areas may be circular or oblong and about the size of a dime. Scorching is initially a deep, rich, brown color and may fade to grayish brown later in the season if defoliation does not occur. Scorching first appears on the basal leaflets of basal leaves and progresses upward. Leaf abscission or defoliation follows this same pattern. Early symptoms of an N:K imbalance are an irregular interveinal chlorosis.” From University of Georgia, Cooperative Extension.
TECH-SPRAY Hi-K 0-26-28 is another great product to supplement the macros you need, even when you don’t want added Nitrogen. pH near neutral and fast-acting, Hi-K helps fill nuts, increasing size and yields.
If you have questions concerning your nut trees, contact our pecan expert Jason Howe or emails us.
