Participants in the 2019 Pecan Management Course learned how to properly slice pecans to identify the stage of embryo or kernel development. This practice is useful in timing management decisions such as crop load thinning and weevil insecticide applications. (Photo by Becky Carroll)

Register now for OSU’s 2020 Pecan Management Course

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Consumers may not give a lot of thought to pecans until it is time for their holiday baking; however, specialists at Oklahoma State University Extension think about pecans all year long and are ready to share their knowledge with both seasoned and novice growers.

OSU Extension’s 2020 Oklahoma Pecan Management Course begins Feb. 25 and will meet once a month from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. through October at the Cimarron Valley Research Station, 10820 S. Jardot, near Perkins, Oklahoma.

Becky Carroll, OSU Extension associate specialist, fruit and pecans, said the course is designed with established growers and those who are new or looking to get into the industry in mind.

“Our goal is to familiarize present and potential pecan growers with pecan management requirements throughout the growing season,” Carroll said. “We’ll combine classroom education with hands-on learning opportunities to learn and discover everything about growing pecans. Classroom and orchard activities throughout the course are scheduled to coincide with real-time pecan production.”

Course topics will include management overview, equipment needs, grafting, improving native groves, fertilization, Mesonet tools, weed control, crop load estimates, pesticide application, orchard floor management, wildlife control, harvest demonstration and more.

Industry professionals, along with specialists from OSU and the Noble Research Institute, will be on hand to share their expertise with class members.

“Oklahoma’s pecan production averages about 18 million pounds per year, so it has a significant economic impact. We’re excited to share information with growers and those who are interested in the pecan industry,” Carroll said. “We get such positive feedback from previous participants and we want to help meet the need of providing research-based information to help these growers and potential growers.”

Registration is available online at https://okla.st/2v7BWnW. The registration fee is $250 per person and due by Feb. 14. Class size is limited to 70 participants. For more information about the class, contact Stephanie Larimer at 405-744-5404 or via email at stephanie.larimer@okstate.edu.

Originating in 1997, nearly 650 pecan growers and others interested in the industry have completed the Pecan Management Course.

MEDIA CONTACT: Trisha Gedon | Agricultural Communications Services | 405-744-3625 | trisha.gedon@okstate.edu