Commercial pecan growers cultivate pecan trees, harvest and dry the nuts, and distribute them to markets all over the world. Irrigation, fertilization, pest control, tree pruning, pollination, harvesting, and marketing are all important aspects of commercial pecan cultivation.
Many pecan tree growers join professional associations such as the southeastern pecan growers, the western pecan growers, and the northern pecan growers to keep up with new developments in pecan cultivation and new markets for pecan nuts. These associations are unique to the United States, which produces roughly 80% of the world’s pecan nuts; Argentina, Australia, China, Israel, Mexico, and South Africa are also pecan producers. To promote an exchange of knowledge and expertise among pecan cultivators, American associations collaborate with other international associations, such as the Australian Pecan Growers Association, and organize conventions and maintain informative websites.
There are many different pecan nut varieties, but pecan growers are increasingly planting grafted trees that can produce the large, meaty pecan nuts that are in demand commercially. Pecan trees are usually planted at least 10.9 yards (10 m) to 21.9 yards (20 m) apart to facilitate healthy growth; keeping a similar distance between two adjoining pecan tree rows is also recommended. When there isn’t enough land, a pecan grower may plant trees closer together and, after several years of harvesting a plentiful nut crop, cut down some of the trees that have begun to crowd one another. Pecan tree wood is valuable, so it can be a profitable investment for a pecan grower from a commercial standpoint.
While pecan trees are generally hardy, it is necessary to protect them from weeds and pests. The trees are pruned on a regular basis to remove dead wood, make it easier to move around them, and keep them at a manageable height. It can be difficult or impossible to spray the trees with pesticides and harvest the nuts when they are ripe if they grow too tall. It’s also important to make sure the trees get plenty of water and nutrients for good pecan nut production. Pecan nuts mature between September and November, and are ready to harvest in May.
Pecan growers can manually shake the tree or use a machine to harvest the nuts. They may set up nets or mats to catch the nuts as they fall. The nuts that have fallen to the ground can be collected by hand or by machine. It’s crucial not to leave the nuts on the ground for too long because their thin kernels are prone to absorbing unwanted flavors from the soil. Once the nuts have been collected, they are dried and graded. After that, they’re ready to go to market.