Troubleshooting
Pecan 'Caddo' problems — and how to fix them
Pecan 'Caddo' (Carya illinoinensis 'Caddo') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Overcropping and small nuts
Heavy, precocious bearing can reduce nut size and stress young trees; thin crop on young trees to maintain vigour and kernel quality.
Alternate bearing
If allowed to overcrop, it may swing into off years; consistent feeding, irrigation and crop management keep it productive.
Zinc deficiency (rosette)
Bunched, undersized leaves signal zinc shortage; correct with foliar zinc sulphate during spring growth flushes.
Pollination timing
A protandrous (Type I) cultivar; pair with a protogynous (Type II) pollinator such as 'Elliot' so pollen shed overlaps stigma receptivity.
Prevent pecan 'caddo' problems before they start
Most pecan 'caddo' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for pecan 'caddo' in general rather than its problems? Read the full pecan 'caddo' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Pecan 'Caddo' problems — FAQ
Why is my pecan 'caddo' overcropping and small nuts?
Heavy, precocious bearing can reduce nut size and stress young trees; thin crop on young trees to maintain vigour and kernel quality.
Why is my pecan 'caddo' alternate bearing?
If allowed to overcrop, it may swing into off years; consistent feeding, irrigation and crop management keep it productive.
Why is my pecan 'caddo' zinc deficiency (rosette)?
Bunched, undersized leaves signal zinc shortage; correct with foliar zinc sulphate during spring growth flushes.
Why is my pecan 'caddo' pollination timing?
A protandrous (Type I) cultivar; pair with a protogynous (Type II) pollinator such as 'Elliot' so pollen shed overlaps stigma receptivity.