Performance of Five Pecan Cultivars and Selections as Immature Trees in Southern Georgia

Eight pecan (Carya illinoinensis) genotypes were evaluated over nine years in a replicated test orchard located in southern Georgia, USA.  Genotypes included one USDA selection (USDA 49-17-322) four relatively new named cultivars (Gafford, Giftpack, Headquarters and Watson) and three check cultivars (Desirable, Pawnee and Sumner).  Actual yields were measured for each tree in the test and a 50 nut sample was taken to determine nut quality.  Trees were evaluated for leaf and nut scab (Fusicladium Effusum) and black aphid (Melanocallis caryaefoliae) damage.  Significant differences were not found among these young trees for yield, but there were differences in nut quality and pest resistance.  ‘Gafford’ and ‘Headquarters’ were very scab resistant but nut quality was mediocre.  ‘Giftpack’ had excellent kernel quality, but nut size was only medium and scab resistance was poor.  USDA 49-17-322 produced a large nut with excellent kernel quality and scab was generally well controlled with fungicides.  ‘Watson’ produced a large nut with average kernel quality.  Pecan trees are a long-lived crop and these cultivars need to be evaluated for several more years to determine their performance as mature trees.