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PLANTING OF LOW-INPUT PECAN VARIETY TRIAL AT VIADALIA ONION RESEARCH FARM PROVIDES RESEARCH AND DEMONSTRATION FOR SOUTHEAST PECAN GROWERS

Extension Education

Andrew Sawyer
Area Extension Agent
University of Georgia
Statesboro

Abstract

International competition, increasing storm damage, depressed domestic prices, and lower export prices are challenging to the Georgia pecan industry. Traditional southeastern varieties such as ‘Stuart’ are being pushed out of the export market due to lower percent kernel. Standard varieties such as ‘Desirable’ variable cost of production is increases drastically. To continue making profit, growers must produce pecan varieties with a greater than 50% kernel and substantially reduce variable input costs, such as fungicide applications. Fungicides account for 12% of a grower's variable costs. To address this issue, a $27,500 grant from the Pecan Commodity Commission was awarded to the Area Pecan Agent to plant low-input cultivars at the UGA Vidalia Onion Farm in Toombs County, GA. This planting has two purposes: 1) Observation of scab on low-input varieties and 2) provide a site for research and demonstration plots. In its first year of planting, the Area Agent planned and coordinated a field day for Southeast Growers. The field day brought a total of 66 pecan growers and industry from 18 counties in Georgia. Attendees represented 9,179 acres of pecan orchard land. UGA Extension Agents presented information in which they collaborated with the Area Agent. 19 attendees completed evaluations. 88% of responses learned a lot about Ambrosia beetle management and budmoth management and control. 82% of responders learned a lot about the weed control presentation and 80% of responders learned a lot about young tree fertilization and an insecticide drench study. One area of improvement concerns the presentation on moisture sensors. Only 60% said they learned a lot with 26% giving a 2, indicating the need to further understand this topic. The area plans to improve on this topic for next year. Overall, 100% of respondents said they could use this information on their farm.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Andrew Sawyer, Derrick Bowen, Scout Carter, Shane Curry, Jason Edenfield, Ross Greene, Jennifer Miller, Steven Powell, Colby Royal, Aubrey Shirley, Savannah Tanner, Chris Tyson, Zachary Williams
  1. Sawyer, A. Area Extension Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 30460
  2. Bowen, D. Tatnall County Ag Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 30453
  3. Carter, S. Ware County Ag Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 31503
  4. Curry, S. Appling County Ag Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 31515
  5. Edenfield, J. Toombs County Ag Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 30436
  6. Greene, R. Evans County Ag Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 30417
  7. Miller, J. Jeff Davis Ag Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 31539
  8. Powell, S. Treutlen County Ag Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 30457
  9. Royal, C. Telfair County Ag Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 31055
  10. Shirley, A. Tatnall County Ag Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 30453
  11. Tanner, S. Emanuel County Ag Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 30401
  12. Tyson, C. Area Onion Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 30436
  13. Williams, Z. Bacon County Ag Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 31510