Question
The pecans that are falling off my tree this year have mold inside or they are just shriveled.  Is my tree sick?  Will I have to cut it down?

Dallas, Tx

Answer
Vivian:
I suspect that these pecans are being shed for some other reason rather than the mold.. If the tree went throuh a period of too much or not enough water, this can cause the shriveling of the meat inside.  You can also contact your local county agricultural Extension office for their information. Check in the Govt. pages of the phone book for Extension Office in your county.

Pecan Scab is probably the biggest infectious pecan disease, but it usually doesn't cause the shrivelling.  Also, the pecan crop is not always consistent year after year. It sometimes goes through good and bad years.  Consider a soil test also for the tree(s).  This information can be obtained from the same office.

Steve