STUDIES ON GROWTH, FLOWERING AND FRUITING OF SOME IMPORTED PECAN VARIETIES UNDER EGYPTIAN ENVIRONEMENTAL CONDITIONS

The present investigation was carried out in both 2001 & 2002 seasons to
study the growth, flowering and fruiting characteristics of ten new pecan varieties were
imported from Georgia, U.S.A. namely: Apache, Caddo, Cape Fear, Cheyenne,
Choctaw, Farley, Mohawk, Sioux, Stuart and Sumner under the Egyptian cor:ditions in
Kalubia Governorate at EI-Gabal EI-Asfar region. This study clearly showed a wide
significant variety differences in all vegetative growth characteristics of the studied
trees. As for number of staminate, pistillate and total buds / twig, the highest averages
were observed in Apache, Mohawk, Stuart and Sumner varieties. However, the
highest average number of vecetanve buds / twiJ was observed in Apache in both
seasons. The variety differences were also clear in number of flowers per pistillate
inflorescence. Choctaw and Stuart recorded the .highest values in this concern, while
Caddo variety was the lowest. Considering the pollination combination with stigmatic
receptivity phenomenon in the studied varieties, data clearly showed that pollen
shedding period before pistils are receptive (Prctandry Type I) as shown in Caddo,
Cape Fear [And Cheyenne varieties. Whereas pls.ils receptive before pollen is shed
(Protogeny Type II) as shown in most of the studied varieties. As for fruit set date,
Mchawk variety WJS the ecrllest one in this reqarc, With regard to fruit yield (Kg)/tree)
and .:;uality especially hull, n.it, kernel and sheil weight, it can be seen that ~ohawk
was the promising variety for obtaining the best results in this concern. Furthermore,
the hi~hest percentage of kernel to whole nut was observed in Sioux followed by
Choctaw compared to other varieties. Cape Fear followed by Mohawk and Caddo
varieties were the earliest in hull cracking, while, Sioux was the latest. Similar results
were recorded fer harvesting date. Moreover, Farley and Sioux trees were the earliest
in leaf abscission date compared to other varieties.