What do the pecan growers do?

Pekans growers cultivate pecan trees on a commercial basis, harvest and dry pecan nuts and supply them to markets around the world. Commercial cultivation of pecans requires thorough knowledge of irrigation, fertilization, prevention of pests, pruning trees, pollination, harvest and marketing.

To stay with the new development in the cultivation of pecans and new markets for pecan nuts, many pecan tree growers participate in professional associations, such as the southeast growers of Pekan, Western Pekan growers and northern growers Pecan. These associations are specific to the US that produce about 80% of the world's pecan nuts; Other peek -producing countries are Argentina, Australia, China, Israel, Mexico and South Africa. The US associations cooperate with other international associations, such as the Australian Pecans Association, organize conventions and maintain informative websites to promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise between Pecan cultivators.

There are many varieties of pecan nuts, but it has become common for pekan growers that plants of grafted trees that can produce large, meat pecan nuts that are commercially required. Since the nut trees are long -term, grow to massive heights and have large root systems, trees usually plant at least 10.9 yards (10 m) to 21.9 yards (20 m) to facilitate healthy growth; It is also recommended to maintain a similar distance between two adjacent rows of the pecan tree. Sometimes, in the case of unavailability of sufficient soil, the pecan grower can grow trees closer together and after several years harvest rich walnut crops can chop some trees when they started each other. Pekan wood is of good value, so from a commercial point of view it can be a profitable investment for pecan growers.

While pecan trees are generally quite perennial, this important to protect the trees fromweed and pests. The trees are regularly trimmed to get rid of dead wood, make it easy to move around the trees and keep the trees at a manageable height. If the trees grow too high, it can be difficult or impossible to spray pesticides and harvest nuts when they are ripe. For good nut production, it is also necessary to ensure that the trees receive enough water and nutrients. Pecan nuts generally develop from September to November and are ready for harvesting until May.

For the harvesting of nuts, pecan growers can either shake the tree or by a machine. They can spread nets or mats to catch falling nuts. Fallen nuts can be collected by hand or machine. It is important not to let the nuts lie on the ground too long, because with their thin nuclei can absorb undesirable taste from the soil. The nuts, as soon as they are collected, are dried and graded. Then they are ready to be shipped on the market.