Jul 21, 2021Planting and irrigation setup complete for low-input variety trial in southeast Georgia
In 2020, the Georgia Pecan Commission issued a grant to the University of Georgia (UGA) Extension to plant low-input varieties of pecans. Located at the University of Georgia Vidalia Onion Research Farm, the purpose of the trial is to evaluate pecan scab in the region over the long term.
The varieties include Avalon, Eclipse, Excel, Kanza, Lakota, McMillan, and Sumner, with Cape Fear and Gafford used as pollinators. These varieties are mixed together on a 5-acre plot, with the goal of long-term evaluation.
The rows are planted more closely together to allow for demonstration, and each row features a different experiment, such as fertilizer applications, insecticide soil drenches, nutrient product testing, etc. In addition to scab, the location offers insect pest trapping and observation opportunities.
The planting began in early February, and within 48 hours, roughly all 140 trees were in the ground. UGA hopes to open the location soon for field days.
Photo: University of Georgia Extension
