MOULTRIE —  Pecan variety selection is important for home orchards. Home orchardists have so many varieties to choose from but only a few are suitable for small plantings. The most limiting factor with home orchards is the inability to apply pesticides to control diseases and insects. The selection of varieties that are more tolerant to insects and scab is an important factor not to be overlooked. Let’s discuss some options.

     According to the UGA publication,  Pecan Trees for the Home or Backyard Orchard, varieties that are suited for this type of production system include Elliott, Excel, Gloria Grande and Sumner. Varieties to also consider for home orchards include Amling, Carter, Gafford and McMillan. Please plant at least two different varieties to make sure the pollination requirements are met.

     Let’s discuss characteristics of some of the varieties mentioned above. The Elliot pecan variety produces a small, teardrop shape nut. It has an alternate bearing habit and is highly scab resistant.  They are susceptible to yellow aphids and can be slow to come into full production.

     The Excel variety has a large nut size similar to Desirable but the shell is thick. They currently have a high resistance or immunity to scab.  In the past, once new varieties are planted on a large scale, scab resistance tends to break down. Nut quality has been marginal due to low kernel percentage but most trees are young so it is difficult to assess what the quality of mature trees will be.

     Gloria Grande is another variety to consider. They have scab resistance but can be slow to come into full production. Gloria Grande produces a large, thick shelled nut and is scab resistant.  However, it can produce fuzzy kernels in some years, similar to Stuart.  Gloria Grande is susceptible to black aphids which is something to take into consideration.

     The Sumner variety produces large nuts of moderate quality.  Production is average from mature trees but has regular production from year to year. They are slow to start bearing and are susceptible to black aphids.  Historically, Sumner has been resistant to scab but susceptibility has been reported in some areas.

     Due to the high demand of pecan trees, supplies of good quality varieties can be limited.  lease purchase trees from reputable nurseries to avoid issues down the road. If you would like information on pecan varieties or sources of pecan trees, please contact the Colquitt County Extension office. The phone number to the Extension office is 229-616-7455.