Estimates of Self-pollination in Pecan Orchards in the Southeastern United States

Abstract

Self-pollination was estimated in three Georgia pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] orchards. Selfing in two large orchards lacking an interplanted complementary pollinizer (one orchard being comprised of `Curtis' and the other `Moneymaker') was estimated to be at least 3% and 49%, respectively. A `Cheyenne' orchard containing `Stuart' as a complementary pollinizer at 5% density was estimated to have had at least 14% and 42% of ripened nuts derived from selfing in two consecutive years. These estimates suggest self-pollination may reduce yield in pecan orchards in the southeastern United States.