Pecan Bacterial Leaf Scorch

Download the full publication by selecting the publication image in the right column.

Pecan bacterial leaf scorch is common throughout the pecan-producing areas of the southeastern United States. In 2015, this disease was also found in the western pecan-producing states of Arizona, California, and New Mexico. It is also known to occur in Texas.

Pecan bacterial leaf scorch causes defoliation, reduces tree growth (particularly when trees are infected at an early age), and reduces kernel weight. While these factors make this disease unsightly for a homeowner with a few pecan trees, they can have a significant economic impact for a commercial pecan producer. There are no economically effective treatments to eliminate the pathogen from an infected tree. Although pecan bacterial leaf scorch does not kill pecan trees, yield and economic losses can occur.

Pecan bacterial leaf scorch has been identified in over 30 cultivars as well as in native and seedling trees. Susceptibility varies across cultivar, and in mixed plantings, disease tends to occur in and spread to the most susceptible cultivars first. While pecan bacterial leaf scorch tends to occur less often in some cultivars than others, no resistant cultivars have been identified. 

For answers to specific questions, please contact state Extension specialists or your local Extension office.

The information given here is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products, trade names, or suppliers are made with the understanding that no endorsement is implied and that no discrimination against other products or suppliers is intended.

Publication 3005 (POD-03-26)

By Rebecca A. Melanson, PhD, Associate Extension Professor, Plant Pathology, Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center, and R. S. Sanderlin, PhD, Professor (retired), Plant Pathology, LSU AgCenter Pecan Research-Extension Station; Reviewers: Clarissa Balbalian, Diagnostic Laboratory Manager, Agricultural Science and Plant Protection; Eric Stafne, PhD, Extension/Research Professor, Coastal Research and Extension Center; Kyle Lewis, Extension Agent III, Hinds County; and Stephen Norman, Secretary/Treasurer, Louisiana Pecan Growers Association.