ARS | Publication request: KERNEL ROT IN THE 2002 SEASON, POSSIBLE CAUSES AND REMEDIES

Submitted to: Texas Pecan Growers Association
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: July 13, 2003
Publication Date: December 1, 2003
Citation: Reilly, C.C., Wood, B.W. 2003. Kernel rot in the 2002 season, possible causes and remedies. Texas Pecan Growers Association. p.36,37.

Interpretive Summary: Most seasons in the southeastern pecan industry have a specific problem associated with production such as excessive rain, diseases, drought, insects, or freezing temperatures. The 2002 season had fluctuating fall temperatures, first cold, then warmer than normal, associated with prolonged precipitation periods. These conditions favored an early nut drop and also favored kernel rotting fungi. The result was wide spread kernel rot of the nuts on the ground prior to the main harvest. Removal of the downed nuts was suggested to improve the quality of the remaining crop.

Technical Abstract: During harvest of the 2002 pecan crop, growers throughout the southeastern pecan belt, extending from east Texas through North Carolina discovered extensive damage on the kernels. Fluctuating fall temperatures associated with prolonged precipitation periods resulted in some of the nut crop remaining on the orchard floor too long. Kernel rot fungi, favored by the cool wet condition, reduced nut quality and yield due to kernel rot. Removal of the early dropped nuts, prior to the actual harvest, was suggested as a remedy to increase quality of the remaining nuts.