Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Winter wheat, spring oats and soybeans were evaluated as potential intercrops in a novel double row pecan tree planting system. During the first 4 years following tree establishment, the adjacent intercrop did not affect tree growth rate. In this system, 35% of the land area is devoted to trees and a grass alleyway between each double row. The remaining 65% of the land area can be used for row crops. Spring oats has been the most profitable intercrop during the course of this study returning a net profit of $98 per planted acre or $64 per acre on a total land area basis. An evaluation of 8 early ripening pecan clones has lead to the identification of USDA 64-6-502 as an outstanding cultivar for northern pecan growers. This cultivar ripens in the same season as 'Chetopa' and 'Giles' and has good pecan scab resistance. USDA 64-6-502 has medium large nut size and 56% kernel making it comparable to 'Pawnee'. This clone will also serve as a good pollen source for 'Pawnee'.
USDA 64-6-502 will be released for propagation in 2007.
Impacts
Intercropping offers a financially sound method for converting row crop land into productive pecan orchards. The double row tree planting system allows producers year around access to their pecan trees, while allowing the cropping of feed grains on 65% of the land area. Growers in northern pecan states will have a new pecan cultivar to strengthen their position in the marketplace. USDA 64-6-502 will offer growers a nut similar in size and shape to 'Pawnee' and a cultivar that pollinates 'Pawnee'.
Publications
- Brauer, D., A. Ares, W. Reid, A. Thomas, and J.P. Slusher. 2006. Nut-yield variations and yield-diameter relationships in open-canopy black walnut trees in southern USA. Agroforestry Systems 67(1):63-72.
- Ares, A., W. Reid, and D. Brauer. 2006. Production and economics of native pecans silvopastures in central United States. Agroforestry Systems 66(3):2005-215
- Thomas, A.L. and W. Reid. 2006. Hardiness of Black Walnut and Pecan Cultivars in Response to an Early Hard Freeze. J. Amer. Pomological Soc. 60:90-94.
- Reid, W. 2006. Pecans and cattle. Pecan South 39(6):8-9.
- Reid, W. 2006. Another option for pecan grafting and budding: The arrowhead. Australian Nutgrower 20:39-40
- Reid, W. 2006. A fresh look at native tree spacing. Pecan South 38(12):4-6.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Blocks of Giles and Chetopa pecan trees were thinned a spacing of 60 trees/ha. prior to the 2004 growing season while other blocks remained at the intital tree density of 120 trees/ha. Per Yield per tree was greater and nut size larger in thinned plots than in unthinned plots in 2005. However, yield/ha was still greater in the unthinned plots. Leaf samples taken during the summer of 2005 revealed significant differences in leaf elemental nutrient composition between thinned and unthinned plots. Trees in unthinned blocks had greater concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, and Zn in sampled foliage than thinned trees. This observation is most likely due to a growth dilution effect caused by the increased vegetative growth seen among trees in thinned blocks. A double row system of tree establishment was field grafted to three cultivars; Gardner, Faith, and USDA 64-6-502. Graft success and scion growth rate was not affected by intercropping soybeans within the planting. The
relationship between tree density and native pecan yield was evaluated using 24 years of tree growth and yield data. Yield per hectare remained fairly constant between the range of 30 square feet of cross sectional trunk area per acre and 60 square feet per acre. The selective removal of genetically inferior trees may be more important for increasing yield than achieving a preset tree densi
Impacts
Tree spacing is an important issue for both pecan orchards and native groves. Initial data from thinning a young orchard indicates that it takes more than 2 years for yield to recover from the thinning process. In native groves, yield/acre can be sustained over a wide range of tree densities indicating that selective removal of genetically inferior trees may be more important for increasing yield than achieving a preset tree density.
Publications
- Griffin, J.J., W.R. Reid, and D.J. Bremer. 2005. Turf species affect establishment and growth of Cercis canadensis and Carya illinoensis. Proc. of the SNA Res. Conf., 50th Annu. Rpt. p.537-539. Reid, W. 2005. Kill the grass. Quandong (J. of W. Australia Nut & Tree Crop Assn.) 31(4):10-11.
- Reid, W., M.V. Coggeshall and K.L. Hunt. 2005. Black walnut cultivars for nut production. Walnut Council Bulletin 32(3):1,3,5,12,15.
- Reid, W. 2005. Be prepared for success. Pecan South 38(9):9-10
- Reid, W. 2005, Blame it on the weather. Pecan South 38(4):4, 10.
- Reid, W. 2005. Focusing on natives. Pecan South 37(12):4-8.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
A trial of 6 early maturing pecan clones was established in 1985 with yield data collected from 1999 through 2004. Cultivars under test included Canton, Osage, Witte, USDA 64-12-1, USDA 63-16-182, and USDA 64-6-502. The highest yielding clone was USDA 64-6-502 averaging 761 lbs/ac/yr. However, 64-6-502 also demonstrated a tendency towards alternate bearing at a young age (alt. bearing index = 0.754). In contrast, Witte had the most consistent production (alt. bearing index = 0.267) but produced less than 60% of the nuts produced by 64-6-502. The maturity dates of 35 pecan clones were recorded during the fall of 2004. Several new cultivars or cultivars lacking previous maturity date documentation were included in this trial. Above average temperatures in September 2004 resulted in maturity dates that were earlier than average and produced a ripening season was more compacted. Three cultivars can be used as benchmarks to define cultivars as early, mid-season, or late
maturing in KS and MO. These are Colby (matured 9/27/04), Giles (matured 10/6/04), and Stuart (matured 10/25/04). Among the cultivars ripening before Colby were Canton, Goosepond, Henning, James, Norton, and Witte. Cultivars ripening with Colby and before Giles included Faith, Gardner, Grotjan, Jayhawk, Kanza, Niblack, Pawnee, Shepherd, and Yates 127. Late ripening cultivars (after Giles) included Caddo, Maramec, Oconee, and St. Genevieve.
Impacts
The clone USDA 64-6-502 has potential as a new cultivar for SE Kansas, SW Missouri, and SE Missouri. The yield, nut size and nut quality of this clone has been outstanding. Overproduction and alternate bearing is a potential problem for this clone but yield can be regulated to mid-summer tree shaking. The list for potential cultivars for the northern pecan zone can be expanded by the identification of pecan cultivars that ripen before Giles. In addition to early ripening, positive cultivars traits exhibited by Canton, Faith, Gardner, Goosepond, Jayhawk, and Shepherd indicated that these clones deserve advanced testing
Publications
- Rohla, C.T., M.W. Smith, N.O. Maness, W.R. Reid. 2004. Effects of fruit cluster size and shoot type on selected pecan characteristics. Abstract. HortScience 38:814.
- Reid, W., and K.L. Hunt. Pecan Production in the Midwest. 2003. pp 107-115. In: D. Fulbright (Ed.). A Guide to Nut Tree Culture in North America, Vol. 1. Northern Nut Growers Assoc. Saline, MI.
- Reid, W. 2004. Starved to economic death. Pecan South 37(3):4, 6, 12
- Reid, W. 2004. Another option for grafting and budding: the arrowhead. Pecan South 37(4):24-27 Reid, W. 2004. Equipping for an efficient harvest. Pecan South 37(8):23-26
- Rohla, C.T., M.W. Smith, N.O. Maness, W.R. Reid. 2004. Crop load and shoot type affect return bloom of pecans. Abstract. HortScience 38:814.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
A new technique for propagating pecans was developed and termed arrowhead grafting and budding. This technique can be used to top work a small diameter seedling or modified to serve as a budding technique. Initial trials indicate a success rate in excess of 90 percent. The relationship between pistillate flower formation, nut set and yield of native pecans was studied over a seven year period. During 'on' years more pistillate flowers are initiated and those flowers have less tendency to abort. During years of moderate crops pistillate flower initiation is moderate but nut abortion varies in a distinctive alternate year pattern set but the pervious year's crop load.
Impacts
Pecan growers have a new propagation technique that can be used on trees too large for a 3-flap graft and too large for a bark inlay graft. Understanding the alternate bearing habit of native pecans can be used to modify pest management strategies, ultimately reducing pesticide use and lowering production costs.
Publications
- Reid, W. 2003. Arrowhead grafting and budding. Oklahoma Pecan Growers Newsletter 4(1):3-4.
- Reid, W. 2003. Current pest management systems for pecan. Oklahoma Pecan Growers Newsletter 44(2): 3-8.
- Reid, W. 2003. Spray What? Pecan South 36(4):12-17.
- Reid, W. 2003. Planning Grove Improvements. Pecan South 36(10):4, 7.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Time of nitrogen fertilizer application and the application of potassium fertilizer to native pecans was studied in a long term study. As compared to the standard recommendation of 100 lbs N per acre applied in March, native pecan yield was increased by 60% with a combination of 100 lbs per acre N and 60 lbs per acre K with the nitrogen applied split between October and March application times. The productivity of 9 northern pecan cultivars was evaluated. Hirschi, Peruque, and Colby had the highest average yields and the least tendency towards alternate bearing. Giles, Dooley, Shoshoni, and Chickasaw demonstrated a strong tendency to alternate bearing.The tree structural strength of 11 pecan cultivars was determined following a severe thunderstorm during the summer of 2002. Cultivars that suffered significant limb breakage included Chickasaw, Shoshoni, and Chetopa. Major, Posey, and Hirschi were unaffected. A new study was initiated to determine the economic
feasibility of a novel pecan planting design system. A double row system will be compared to the typical uniform spacing system in terms of tree performance and intercrop income.
Impacts
Growers can maximize yield of native pecans by splitting their nitrogen application into spring and fall applications and by adding potassium fertilizers. Several northern pecan cultivars have demonstrated commercially acceptable yield and bearing characteristics. Among the cultivars under test, Hirschi, Peruque, and Colby appear well adapted for commercial pecan growers in northern pecan states.
Publications
- Reid, W. 2002. Prevasive pessimism plagues pecan producers. Pecan South 34(11): 4-5.
- Reid, W. 2002. Build native productivity. Pecan South 35(5):14-15.
- Reid, W. 2002. Native grove renewal. Pecan South 35(10):8,16,17,20-22.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
The influence of rootstock seed source on scion cultivar nut quality was measured. Two scion cultivars (Pawnee & Posey) were evaluated on 10 rootstock seed sources. Rootstock significantly affected percent kernel of both Pawnee and Posey nuts, however differences among rootstocks were greater for the Pawnee scion trees. Posey nuts had the highest percent kernel when propagated on Dooley, Mohawk, or Chickasaw seedling rootstocks. Pawnee nuts had the highest quality when propagated on Colby and Mohawk seedling rootstocks. The variation in freeze damage caused by an early fall freeze was determined in 6 one-half-acre plots of native pecan trees. A fall freeze occuring 15 days before the average date of first fall freeze resulted in nut losses of 3.28% to 23.25%. The weighted average for the freeze event was 7.69% nut loss. Six herbicides were evaluated for use in direct seeded pecan plantings. Herbicides included Dual, Treflan, Squadron, Atrazine, Goal, and Canopy. Best
weed control was acheived with Dual and Goal, while best pecan seed germination were in Dual and Treflan plots. Goal supressed pecan seed germination, Treflan provided lackluster weed control, but Dual provided the best combination of both weed control and excellent seedling germination.
Impacts
Pecan growers have additional information to help them choose a seed source for pecan rootstocks. Results of this study, coupled with previous studies on growth rate, cold hardiness and nutrient uptake, is pointing to Colby as the best seed source for Kansas and Missouri pecan producers. Data on freeze damage was utilized by NRCS for determining disaster payments for Kansas pecan growers. Growers have data to help them select herbicides in direct seedling pecan plantings.
Publications
- Reid, W. 2001. Propagating Pecan and Black Walnut in Missouri. University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry, Agroforestry in Action 2-2001. 10 pp.
- Reid, W. 2001. Measuring freeze damage. Oklahoma Pecan Growers Newsletter 42(1): 5.
- Reid, W. 2001. Making the grade. Pecan South 34(1): 8, 11.
- Reid, W. 2001. Making smart investments. Pecan South 34(5):12, 20.
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