Even though Confirm is a little more expensive, Hall said it is a growth regulator that is specific to insects such as the pecan nut casebearer and hickory shuckworm. It has no adverse effects on beneficial insects and is safe to apply, he said. If hickory nut curculio or pecan weevil do not occur in an orchard, consideration should be given to using Confirm for control of both pecan nut casebearer and hickory shuckworm, Hall said. Hall said to be sure to adjust the pH of the water used for spraying to 5.5-6.5, since when the pH of the water is above 7.0 the activity of the insecticide decreases dramatically. In addition, Hall cautioned to remember that coverage is critical.
Poor coverage means poor control.
Dr. Randy Sanderlin of the LSU AgCenter also reminds everyone that now is the time to be making the first fungicide application to pecan trees. Contact Sanderlin at the LSU AgCenter Pecan Research-Extension Station if there are any questions regarding fungicides and rates. In 2000, the Louisiana pecan crop was about 10.6 million pounds from identified orchards and native groves - a decrease of 27 percent from 1999 due, in large part, to reduced production caused by the prolonged drought. In addition, many of the native acres of pecans and homeowner trees are not identified in those totals because they are widely scattered and on unmanaged land, experts say. The pecan harvest season in Louisiana starts in October.