Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Vivipary

    Vivipary is the word we use to describe the condition when nuts start to germinate in the fall while still encased in the green shuck.
 Vivipary is a major problem for pecan growers in the most southern regions of Texas but rarely occurs in the north. This year, however, I've come across more premature germination then usual. This morning, I even found a hican sprouting on the tree (note the root emerging from the nut at left). Now, while vivipary is still not a major problem in our area, it is worth noting because by the time we sell the 2010 crop you may see some embryo rot in your nut sample. This rot occurs when the germinating embryo dies from lack of moisture and fungal attack through the split shell.