Pecan and Tree Fruit Questions

Check out our Fact Sheets!

Question #1: I am interested in learning about pecan-tree grafting.

Answer: We have some excellent fact sheets available on pecan grafting with diagrams. See the link above to go directly to the Fact Sheets.
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Question #2: I bought 40 acres that I will start planting this fall. I am considering several roostocks for my orchard. I plan to plant rootstocks, then do my own budding a few years later.

My growing conditions are as follows: Kay County, Oklahoma - altitude of 1000 ft - Very good, deep soil - Kirkland silt loam -- 1 to 3% slope, silt loam 60 to 99 inches deep, L.C.C.-- 3E

I'm looking for drought resistant roostocks that harden off early and break bud late and do not require staking. For apples, I'm considering EMLA 111, Antonovka, and EMLA 26. The latter is looking less attractive, since it requires staking.

Have you done any research on Antonovka?

I believe seeds planted in place are the most drought resistant. I've also considered using root-pruning pots on purchased roostocks.

Also, do you know of a peach roostock that is drought resistant and/or breaks bud late? I hear Siberian C peaches don't make good rootstocks this far south.

I grew up in the Panhandle. In my brother's tree row is a wild peach tree. It competes with black locuts and mulberry trees in sandy soil, and yet it's done well. The peaches aren't any good at all, but I bet the tree would make a wonderful roostock. Would you be interested in evaluating it? I've never been able to get any vegetative starts from it, though I've tried at least twice. Any advice on getting vegetative starts?

Answer: Your question to OSU, subject as above, was referred to me. EMLA 111 is usually the best choice for apples in Oklahoma. EMLA 26 works fine if staked or trellised. Additional information on apple rootstocks can be found in Cooperative Extension Service Fact Sheet F 6210 which can be obtained from your county extension office or downloaded from the following site: agweb.okstate.edu/pearl/hort/fruits/index.html

Recommended rootstocks for peaches are Lovel, Halford, or Guardian if going into a site which had peaches within the last 3 years. Siberian C rootstock in unsuitable in OK due to lack of vigor and lodging.

Seedling rootstocks could be suitable. They would, of course, have to be propagated to the variety you choose. Information on propagation can also be found at the site listed above.

I hope you find this information useful. If you need additional assistance please contact your OSU county extension office or this office.
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Question #3: I have pecan trees in Gainesville Tx. that I would like to graft with a better pecan. Where can I obtain cuttings for grafting.

Answer: The following is a list of pecan graftwood sources in Oklahoma. For sources in Texas you may want to check with your County Extension Office for more information or visit the Texas Pecan Growers Association web site - http://www.tpga.org/#kiowa
Pecan Graftwood Sources - 2000
Dick Hoffman
Rt 4 Box 441
Stillwater, OK 74074
405-372-3583

Wes Rice
9704 Braden School Rd.
Ponca City, OK 74604
580-767-1195		Diane Couch
Couch Orchard
P.O. Box 25
Luther, OK 73054
405-277-9249

Bob Skurdal
4446 Keeler -10 Road
Ponca City, OK 74604
580-765-2717
email: bigolswede@yahoo.com		Cedar Creek Pecan Farm
Carole Smith
Rt 2 Box 423-2
Cleveland, OK 74020
918-358-5796

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Question #4: I have a homeowner with an oriental (Asian) persimmon. I don't know the age of the tree. They have had very little fruit production. Any suggestions?

Answer: Persimmon are dioecious or male and female trees, thus the male tree will not bare fruit or very little if any. It is also listed as being hardy to zone 7, so perhaps the colder temperatures are causing damage to the flower buds or stems. Persimmon succeed under widely varying soil conditions, but are not tolerant of poorly drained soils. Persimmon respond to an application of nitrogen if the soil is deficient. Best time to apply nitrogen is at dormant or nonfruiting times, such as late winter or early spring. However, excess nitrogen will cause young fruit to drop. Apparently persimmon do not respond to or need fertilizers other than those containing nitrogen. They are not troubled by excess or deficiencies of other elements.
They are remarkably free from disease and pest and do not require a pollinizer to set fruit. Pruning is rarely needed except to keep the plant manageable and to remove dead wood. Fruit are born on current season's growth and usually form on outer part of tree. Fruit thinning is not necessary unless weight of fruit may cause damage to limbs.

Here are two nurseries which sell Asian persimmons trees: Northwood Nursery & Raintree Nursery
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Question #5: I am getting ready to plant 2 apple trees and I would like an apple that will keep its shape when I can it. I am thinking about a Braeburn apple or a Granny Smith. What would be your suggestion as to the best apple? We live near Ponca City.
If I get either of these trees, would I need a pollinator for them. If so, what ones do I need?

Answer: Both apples are versatile and can be used for eating fresh or cooking. Of the two the Granny Smith will hold its shape better when canned. Most apples produce best when there is another variety nearby for pollination. Typically early developing varieties bloom together, mid-season ripening varieties bloom together etc. So I would try to find another that is late ripening if you only choose one or the other. Since these two varieties are apparently late developing varieties they should pollinate each other. Both should do fine in your area.
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Horticulture & Landscape Architecture Department
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK