When warm nighttime temperatures overlap times of high moisture, pecan scab spores have a good environment to commence their attack. In Oklahoma, we often see these weather conditions in late May and early June.
(Photo: Leaf with pecan scab (William Reid/Northern Pecans)
Spores released in the spring can infect leaves and young stems. This begins the growing season cycle of pecan scab infection. Spores germinate to enter tender leaf, stem, and nutlet tissue. Fungal hyphae grow inside leaves and stems to produce more spores that infect more leaves, stems, and nuts. Continue reading