Lenny Wells, UGA Pecan specialist says now is the time for pecan leaf tissue sampling.
Below is the proper way to collect your leaves for analysis.
- Collect 50- 100 middle-pair of leaflets from the middle leaf of this year’s growth (See figure above). Use terminal shoots exposed to the sun. Avoid twigs from the interior of the tree. Collect leaflets from all sides of the tree. Avoid leaflets damaged by insects and diseases.
- Abnormal trees or trees not representative of the area should be sampled separately. A complete and accurate description of abnormalities should accompany such samples.
- Sample trees of the predominant variety in a given block. If Schley is the main variety, sample Schley; if Stuart is the main variety, then sample Stuart, etc.
- Immediately upon collection, wipe leaves (entire surface, both top and bottom) with a damp cellulose sponge or cheese cloth to remove dust and spray residue. Do not allow the leaves to come into contact with rubber or galvanized containers. Partially air dry and place in the large envelope of the mailing kit.
- If recent soil test data is not available, it would be advisable to collect a soil sample and have it sent to a soil testing laboratory. By sampling the same trees each year, growers can more readily see the results of any changes to their nutritional programs.
If you would like to know more about Pecan leaf sampling follow the link below.
