Overview
Carya ×ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. var. odorata (Marsh.) Boivin is a deciduous tree species that belongs to the Juglandaceae family. This tree is commonly known as the selected Sweet Pecan and belongs to the genus Carya. The species is a crossbred pecan and the pecan hickory trees native to North America.
Origin
The Carya ×ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. var. odorata (Marsh.) Boivin tree species is native to the southeastern region of the United States, from the eastern Texas to South Carolina. The plant is commonly found in the upland and lowland forests, near rivers and streams, and in other moist areas. However, the selected sweet pecan variety is cultivated and grown in orchards in many parts of the world, including the United States, southern Europe, southern Africa, and in Asia.
Appearance
The Carya ×ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. var. odorata (Marsh.) Boivin tree species grows to about 50 to 60 feet and has a spread of up to 40 feet. The species has a broad, irregular, and open crown with a brownish-gray bark that is deeply furrowed. The leaves are alternate, odd-pinnate, with a length of up to nine inches, and have a yellow-green color. The tree bears both male and female flowers on the same tree, which open in the spring before the leaves. The fruit is a pecan nut that takes about eight to ten years to mature after the tree is planted.
Uses
The Carya ×ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. var. odorata (Marsh.) Boivin plant has a variety of uses. The plant is grown for its nuts, which are eaten raw or roasted. The nuts are also used in a variety of dishes such as salads, stuffing, and in baking. The wood of this species is used for making furniture, flooring, paneling, and in the construction of buildings. Additionally, the plant has medicinal uses. The bark of the tree is used to create a tea and is believed to have diuretic and astringent properties.
Growth Conditions for Carya ×ovalis var. odorata
Light: Carya ×ovalis var. odorata prefers full sun exposure to partial shade. They require a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow efficiently. Insufficient light may lead to weak growth and poor flowering.
Temperature: This plant thrives in a humid subtropical climate with consistent moisture and warm temperatures. The optimal temperature range for the growth and development of Carya ×ovalis var. odorata is between 21°C to 32°C. However, mature plants can tolerate low moderate frost and short summer drought periods.
Soil requirements: This plant species prefers well-draining soils. The optimal soil PH range for Carya ×ovalis var. odorata growth is pH 5.5-7.5. It performs best in soils that are rich in organic matter, with a high moisture-holding capacity. The ideal soil texture for this plant is sandy to loamy soil. Additionally, It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and acidic soils but might experience slow growth in those environments.
Cultivation Methods
Carya ×ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. var. odorata (Marsh.) Boivin, commonly known as the Shellbark hickory, requires a sunny and well-draining location for optimal growth. The plant thrives in alkaline soil conditions. The ideal soil pH for Carya ×ovalis ranges from 6.0 to 7.5. You can plant the seedlings in early spring or fall before the ground freezes. The tree is hardy and able to withstand cold temperatures.
Watering Needs
Carya ×ovalis requires regular watering during the first year after planting. The tree needs about 1 inch of water per week. Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant and does not require much watering. However, during prolonged dry spells, you may need to water the tree to keep the soil moist.
Fertilization
Carya ×ovalis does not require too much fertilizer. The tree prefers low-nitrogen fertilizers such as bone meal or rock phosphate. You can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil around the tree's root zone during early spring. It is essential to avoid excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer, as it can lead to poor root development and disease susceptibility.
Pruning
Carya ×ovalis requires very little pruning. You should only prune dead or diseased branches to promote healthy growth. You can also remove crowded or crossing branches to enhance the tree's overall shape. The best time to prune the tree is during winter dormancy before the new growth begins. It is advisable to use sharp and clean pruning tools to prevent damage to the tree branches.
Propagation of Carya ×ovalis var. odorata
Carya ×ovalis var. odorata, commonly known as the shagbark hickory, can be propagated from seeds, grafting, and budding.
Seed Propagation
The most common and straightforward method of propagating shagbark hickory is through seed propagation. The seeds should be planted in fertile soil in autumn when the temperature starts to drop. These seeds should be kept moist and cool, preferably under a layer of mulch. After a few months, the seeds will start sprouting. The seedlings can be transplanted after they have developed strong roots, usually after one year.
Grafting
Grafting is another propagation method that can be used for shagbark hickory. In grafting, a scion from a mature and healthy tree is cut and attached to the rootstock of another tree. This method is ideal for extracting desirable properties of a mature tree and transferring it to a new one. Grafting is a complicated technique and must be performed in a sterile environment to avoid contamination.
Budding
Budding is a form of grafting and considered the most preferred propagation method for creating new cultivars of shagbark hickory. In this method, a bud is taken from the parent tree and grafted onto the rootstock. The buds must be taken during the active growing season and stored until the rootstock is ready to receive them. The bud should be carefully aligned with the rootstock's cambium layer before wrapping the graft in parafilm and waiting for it to mature. The success rate for budding largely depends on proper technique, timing, and the quality of materials used.
Disease and Pest Management for Carya ×ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. var. odorata (Marsh.) Boivin Plant
Carya ×ovalis (Wangenh.) Sarg. var. odorata (Marsh.) Boivin, commonly known as the Shellbark Hickory, is a deciduous tree native to North America. Like other plants, it is prone to diseases and pests, which can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions for managing them.
Diseases
The Shellbark Hickory can be affected by several diseases, including:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that manifests as circular or irregular brown spots on the tree's leaves. The disease can cause premature defoliation, which can weaken the tree. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves, prune the tree to increase airflow and sunlight penetration, and apply fungicides.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the tree's leaves and twigs, causing them to die. The disease can cause severe defoliation and weaken the tree. To manage anthracnose, prune the tree to increase airflow and sunlight penetration, apply fungicides, and remove and destroy infected leaves.
Phytophthora Root Rot
Phytophthora root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the Shellbark Hickory and can cause the tree's decline. The disease can cause wilting, yellowing, and premature dropping of the leaves. To manage Phytophthora root rot, avoid excessive irrigation, improve drainage, and apply fungicides.
Pests
The Shellbark Hickory can be affected by several pests, including:
Hickory Bark Beetle
The Hickory Bark Beetle is a destructive pest that bore through the tree's bark and feed on its cambium layer, causing significant damage. The infestation can cause wilting, yellowing, or premature dropping of the tree's leaves. To manage Hickory Bark Beetle infestation, prune and destroy infested branches, reduce the amount of mulch around the base of the tree, and apply insecticides.
Webworms
Webworms are caterpillars that weave silken webs around the tree's branches and feeds on its leaves. The infestation can cause extensive feeding damage and weaken the tree. To manage webworms, remove and destroy the webs and caterpillars, prune the tree to improve airflow and sunlight penetration, and apply insecticides.
Pecan Weevil
The Pecan Weevil is a destructive pest that feeds on the tree's nuts, causing significant economic damage. The infestation can cause the nuts to fall prematurely or exhibit poor kernel development. To manage Pecan Weevil infestation, harvest the nuts early, destroy damaged nuts, and apply insecticides.
