Pecan Bud Growth and Freeze Damage are Influenced by Rootstock

Abstract

Seven open-pollinated pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] stocks were grown in a nursery in blocks. Bud growth of ungrafted seedlings was influenced by rootstock, with growth being more advanced on `Curtis', `Elliott', `Apache', and `Sioux' seedlings than on `Moore', `Riverside', and `Burkett'. Bud growth of grafted trees was influenced by scion, with growth of `Candy' being most advanced, while `Cape Fear' trees were more advanced than `Stuart'. Growth of `Candy' grafted trees was affected by rootstock, with growth being more advanced on `Elliott' and `Curtis' seedling rootstock as compared to `Apache', Sioux', `Riverside', and `Burkett' seedling rootstock. Tree damage caused by a May freeze was directly related to bud growth and was influenced by scion and rootstock.