Question
Hi.  I have an older pecan tree that has dopped its pecans.  In opening several of the nuts I noticed they were a strange red color.  I do not think this is normal.  There was also some kind of strange critter inside one if the that was browninsh red, round, and flat.  Kind of looked liked a squished tick.  Yuck!  What would make pecans turn red?  We have not had much rain. Thanks

Answer
Dear P., I think you are looking at pecan nut casebearer larvae, because the red color is a pretty good indicator, but I must be absolutely honest here.  Pecans are complicated trees in the respect that they need spraying and fertilizing according to a schedule in order to produce pecans every year.  In addition, the spraying is necessary to avoid opening pecans without nuts.  To fix this problem you really need access to a pecan spraying schedule in your area.  You should be able to get this from the Pecan Growers Association or tamu.edu (Texas A&M University's website) or California's Agricultural equivalent.  This is a very lengthy and detailed subject, and there are actually several new (more organic) methods of control now in practice.  The casebearer moth produces several generations a year, which is the reason that a single application won't work.  In addition, since you are in California, I know that there are different regulations for your area.  Anyway, please forgive me for having to redirect you for the spraying schedule, but I hope I have helped with your problem.  Good luck, Melissa