Characterization of the Pecan Industry in North America with Emphasis in the Southwest

Abstract

The pecan is native to North America and is cultured as a major crop in both the United States and Mexico. In the early part of this century, pecans were thought of as a secondary crop grown in the southern geographic section of the United States. Increased demand for use as a nutritious food has resulted in expansion of the industry into the desert Southwest and California. Adaptive cultivars and irrigation coupled with the lack of diseases and insects has been instrumental in industry development in the West. As the industry has matured during the latter part of the century, pecan culture has improved into a strong crop enterprise business. Orchard management technique and orchard development concepts have been refined, resulting in increased production and awareness. In recent years, production in Mexico has impacted the U.S. price structure and pecan industry economy. The alternate-bearing nature of pecans also impacts prices received by growers. The aging of pecan trees has resulted in serious dilemmas, such as increased tree size and shading. This situation requires techniques such as tree thinning or hedge pruning to enhance annual production and improve nut quality. Various ramifications and parameters of these management practices will be discussed.