Pecan Tree Grafts

Pecan Nutlets

Well, summer is definitely here! Our temps are in the upper 90′s but with Louisiana’s humidity the heat index is well over 100 degrees. The orchard received 2 to 3 inches of rain last week. It was so dry before the rain that “cracks” were showing up on the orchard floor. We have had many days with lots of sunshine. Pollination appears to have been very good this pecan bloom season. The tiny nuts are really beginning to show up. Since the rain I swear it seems as if the tiny baby nutlets have doubled in size. Desirable variety looks to have a good nut set. Elliott variety is spotty. Most of Mark’s pecan tree grafts appear to have been successful. He was some upset last week because a squirrel had destroyed one of his grafts. The squirrel had torn through the aluminum foil and the parafilm that was supporting the graft and then shredded the already budded out shoot! I guess Mark will declare war on these pesky little varmits. Later this month Mark will be headed to the annual pecan meeting that is being held in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Fellow pecan growers will gather to discuss current issues concerning the pecan industry and then Ben Littlepage will give his famous pecan guesstimate for the 2010 pecan crop. This meeting has always been very informative.

We have a new flavor of Gourmet Pecans. It is Coconut Praline Pecans. The pecans are dry roasted and then glazed. The taste is sweet salty with a nice crunch. Customers that have tasted a sample quickly grab a bag to buy. If you are in the area our retail store is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm. So be sure to stop by!! All for now — Julie Swanson