Troubleshooting
Pecan 'Cape Fear' problems — and how to fix them
Pecan 'Cape Fear' (Carya illinoinensis 'Cape Fear') 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.
Pecan scab
Venturia (Fusicladium) scab is the major disease in humid regions, blackening leaves and shucks and reducing fill. 'Cape Fear' has useful resistance, but susceptibility can erode over time; fungicide programmes may be needed in wet years.
Zinc deficiency
Pecans are highly zinc-demanding; shortage causes 'rosette' with small, crinkled leaves and dieback. Apply zinc sulphate to soil or as foliar sprays during spring flush.
Pecan weevil and nut casebearer
These pests bore into developing nuts, causing drop and damaged kernels. Monitor and time controls to their life cycles; orchard sanitation reduces overwintering populations.
Alternate bearing
Pecans strongly tend to a heavy 'on' year followed by a light 'off' year. Adequate water, nitrogen and zinc, plus avoiding overcropping, help moderate the cycle.
Prevent pecan 'cape fear' problems before they start
Most pecan 'cape fear' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for pecan 'cape fear' in general rather than its problems? Read the full pecan 'cape fear' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Pecan 'Cape Fear' problems — FAQ
Why is my pecan 'cape fear' pecan scab?
Venturia (Fusicladium) scab is the major disease in humid regions, blackening leaves and shucks and reducing fill. 'Cape Fear' has useful resistance, but susceptibility can erode over time; fungicide programmes may be needed in wet years.
Why is my pecan 'cape fear' zinc deficiency?
Pecans are highly zinc-demanding; shortage causes 'rosette' with small, crinkled leaves and dieback. Apply zinc sulphate to soil or as foliar sprays during spring flush.
Why is my pecan 'cape fear' pecan weevil and nut casebearer?
These pests bore into developing nuts, causing drop and damaged kernels. Monitor and time controls to their life cycles; orchard sanitation reduces overwintering populations.
Why is my pecan 'cape fear' alternate bearing?
Pecans strongly tend to a heavy 'on' year followed by a light 'off' year. Adequate water, nitrogen and zinc, plus avoiding overcropping, help moderate the cycle.