Environmental conditions, management inputs, and pest pressure all have direct impacts on pecan yield or nut quality. This guide covers the development of a pecan nut throughout the season and how it relates to potential damage by pecan nut casebearer. Because of uncertainty related to third-generation PNC damage in New Mexico pecan orchards, a brief discussion on possible damage is included. Pecan Nut Development in the Mesilla Valley Nut production begins with the onset of flowering. Female flower structures may be present in adequate numbers or they may be scarce if the crop was exceptional the previous year and alternate bearing is taking place in the orchard.
Pollination is the first stage in the development of a pecan nut.
Because of variations in environmental conditions, it is difficult to place an exact date on the initiation or completion of phases or stages of nut development. During this 90-day period, nuts enlarge to their final size. A period of fast nut growth starts about mid-July and ends in late August. Liquid content inside pecans makes irrigation management critical in pecan orchards during this time. During this stage, nut drop could dramatically intensify due to water stress.