ASSESSMENT OF ARKANSAS PECAN INDUSTRY TO INCREASE THE INDUSTRY'S COMPETITIVENESS AND ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Pecan (Carya illinoinensis (Wang.) K. Koch) production in Arkansas is among the least efficient in the United States. To determine causes of low production efficiency and to help the industry become more competitive, two complementary survey tools were used to assess the industry. The first tool included soil and foliar sampling and season-long disease and insect monitoring on 14 farms in areas representative of the pecan production regions of the state. On site monitoring continued for 3 years. The second tool was a written survey which was mailed to farmers and industry representatives. Results indicate several sub-optimal practices are likely contributing to reduced production. Areas where farmers do not follow recommendations include fertilizing irregularly and taking soil and foliar samples infrequently. A majority of respondents reported not taking foliar samples at all, or collecting soil samples once in the previous five years. The soil samples taken on site indicate a number of chemical fertility imbalances, including low Ca:Mg ratio; low K; high P, Zn, and Fe; and pH values ranging from 4.9 to 8.0. The most commonly reported diseases were pecan scab and downy mildew, which were prevalent. Pecan nut casebearer was not captured at several surveyed locations, but was captured in previously unreported locations. Overall results indicate the need for farmer education and implementation of best management practices to improve production efficiency. Education programs based on the results of the assessment have been developed, and on-site monitoring continues with cooperation from farmers.