Biotech Updates

USDA Releases New Pecan Variety

October 26, 2007

The US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS), in collaboration with the Kansas State University, released a new pecan variety called “Lakota”. Lakota is very resistant to the scab disease, an infection that causes premature nut dropping and decreased nut size. The new variety was also found to be mildly resistant to yellow and black aphids, responsible for feeding damages that significantly reduce yield. Lakota has performed well in tests in the northern pecan production areas of Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Texas. Trees are vigorous and upright in growth habit and develop strong limb angles and a wind-resistant structure. The nuts contain bigger kernels compared to other cultivated varieties. The US is the world’s biggest pecan producer with an annual production of 150–200 thousand tons.

Read more at http://www.ars.usda.gov/News/docs.htm?docid=1261