Q&A - ASK THE EXPERTS

Q - Why are half of the pecans on my tree rotten?

A - Various stress factors, such as insufficient or poorly timed irrigation, may cause nut developmental disorders, notes University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Olin Miller. Adequate sunlight, space, nitrogen, zinc and water are essential to grow healthy pecan trees. (A mature pecan tree requires nearly 34,000 gallons of water annually.) University of Arizona Cooperative Extension publication Pecan Production Guidelines for Small Orchards and Home Yards, at cals.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/az1400.pdf, can help you fine-tune your tree’s care and help identify insect or disease problems.