Effect of Drip Irrigation of Pecan Quality and Relationship of Selected Quality Parameters |
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| Authors: | E K HEATON J W DANIELL L C MOON |
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| Affiliation: | Author Heaton is with the Dept. of Food Science;Author Daniell is with the Dept. of Horticulture;and Author Moon is with the Dept. of Agricultural Economics, Univ. of Georgia, Experiment, GA 30212. |
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| Abstract: | The effect of four drip irrigation rates 0, 22.7, 45.4, and 68.1 L/hr/tree (LHT) on several quality parameters of ‘Stuart’ pecans were investigated along with values calculated from inshell weights, volumes, and kernel weights. Irrigation significantly increased kernel yield/tree, nut weight, diameter, kernel specific gravity, fill of nut, oil content, and appearance rating. Values calculated by computer analyses from weights and volumes were useful for evaluating the quality of nuts from the different irrigation treatments. This technique should be useful for researchers engaged in quality evaluations of inshell pecans. Nut size and % fill, and kernel color are the best parameters to estimate quality and value of pecans before actual shelling and processing. Additionally processing costs are partially dependent on nut size (no./kg) and kernel yield. |
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