Hello World!
One of the unsolved problems in Pecan Tree farming is that during the
first year the seedling grows only three leaves and then stops. The
seedling will not advance in root length or stem length no matter how much
of the growing season is still available.
The next year, the pecan seedling will grow very rapidly and throughout
the growing season.
I am trying to find a way to "jumpstart" the pecan tree seedlings during
their first season.
According to Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas, United States),
chemical means have been tried for decades without success.
There is little literature on the electro-attributes of pecan trees. The
use of a Shigometer is described in the "Spruce Budworms Handbook" from
the United States Department of Agriculture (Forest Service) in November
1985.
The Shigometer is a battery-operated, lightweight field ohmmeter. It
generates a pulsed direct electric current and registers in thousands of
ohms (kilo ohms) the resistance to the current as it passes through wood
or bark. Two models are now (1985) used in foresty research.
Because Texas and Israel are the two largest producers of Pecans
(according to Texas A&M University), this is a problem that has worldwide
significance.
In Texas, the Pecan Tree is the State Tree and the most profitable crop
for the least amount of yearly labor. Unfortunately, the pecan tree must
grow for 6 to 8 years before their first crop of pecans.
In addition, there is a typical 50% die-off of trees each year until the
tree's first crop. After the first crop, the trees produce pecans only
every two years. The tree will have unlimited growth unless natural
accidents occur.
I am new to Pecan Tree research and am a member of the Texas Pecan Growers
Association -- a professional organization of many decades.
My question for this forum: How can the first year pecan seedling be
forced to grow more than three leaves during its first growing season?
All ideas are welcomed. Thank you.
Dr. Ali Fant, Amateur Radio Operator WB5WAF
