Performance of Pecan Cultivars in North Central Florida

Abstract

The pecan, carya illionensis(Wangenh.) K. Koch, was introduced to north Florida in the early 1800's. Commercial plantings spread slowly through the northern edge of the state, but, after the great freeze of 1898, commercial plantings were extended into north central Florida as replacements for the citrus that had been frozen out. Many of the introduced cultivars have been of little value because summer showers and high humidity has favored the rapid development of scab. Others have been considered marginal because of low total yield or quality factors. The increasing demand for adequate yields of high quality nuts has stimulated further evaluation of old and new cultivars suitable for use in Florida. High yielding cultivars producing 50 percent kernel are needed to keep pace with newer cultivars being planted in southwestern United States.