This tree has some real problems. The leaf stems are dropping, leaves attached, but crispy and covered in either deformed nuts or galls. the tree is over 20 years old and in the past the only problem has been tent caterpillars.
Any help is greatly appreciated. We are debating removing the tree, but hoping the problem is treatable.
can't help with the problem but that's a nice shot of a ladybug larvae!
Thanks Track. I didn't see it when taking the pic...surprised when i checked the pics...grin
This is a pic of the fallen twigs
just checked my SLGB and it says, "prevent or cure pecan rosette (abnormal clumps of twigs caused by zinc deficiency) with zinc sulfate sprays or soil treatments. pecan is prone to aphid infestations." "pecans need well-drained deep soil; they won't stand salinity. don't let soil dry out".
doesn't say anything else about disease or particular problems.
I dunno Track...Zinc poor could certainly be part of it....it drains well and we have gotten pretty good rain this spring. I will check out Zinc sulfate and also a good fertilizer for it.
I still think there may be more to the problem however....but at the very least it will have had a good last meal if we have to remove it.....8-(
Thanks for checking that out for me.
http://www.ipmcenters.org/cropprofiles/docs/txpecans.pdf
good reading here.
Yep it is...Thanks. I am gonna get some specimens ready to take to County Agent for help on Monday. Tomorrow is grandson's HS graduation and we have family in. Thanks again for the info....
Thinking about the ladybug larvae, I did some inspecting....they were present in great numbers...thought about what ladybugs eat, and that led to an answer.
Phylloxera devastatrix...pecan tree aphids
http://insects.tamu.edu/students/undergrad/ento402/Pecan_files/Pecan_pests_early_pecan_phylloxera.html
http://www.aces.edu/counties/StClair/documents/NRPecanTreesLee2012.pdf
Thanks for your help Track...
who knew aphids could be that destructive to a tree?
that link i sent you mentioned the aphids and before that i didn't know that pecans had their own.
i guess the species name says it all......
Fortunately they are controllable and will not kill the tree. Thanks for your help.
:-)
