**Pecan Overview**
– Scientific name: Carya illinoinensis
– Belongs to the Juglandaceae family
– Native to North America
– Recognized as the state nut in several U.S. states
– Symbolism: State tree in Texas; state nut in Alabama, Arkansas, California, and Louisiana
**Pecan Cultivation and Research**
– USDA and University of Georgia conduct breeding programs
– National Clonal Germplasm Repository preserves genetic resources
– Studies on root water uptake and chilling requirements
– Understanding nutritional needs for optimal growth
– Pecans grow best in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9
**Pecan Varieties and Cultivars**
– Recommended cultivars: Elliott, Kanza, Centennial
– Development of specific traits in cultivars
– Regional cultivars like Western pecans
– Specific variety: Norten˜a Pecan
– Improved varieties for better yields and quality
**Pecan Uses and Products**
– Edible seeds with rich, buttery flavor
– Used fresh, roasted, in cooking, and in desserts like pecan pie
– Common in cookies, cakes, ice creams, and praline candy
– Other applications: pecan oil, pecan butter
– Pecans are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients
**Pecan Industry and Economic Impact**
– U.S. produces 119.8 million kilograms of pecans annually
– Major producers: Georgia, New Mexico, Texas
– Mexico and U.S. account for 93% of global production
– Significant economic impact in agriculture and food markets
– Supports jobs and livelihoods in various regions
The pecan (/pɪˈkæn/ pih-KAN, also US: /pɪˈkɑːn, ˈpiːkæn/ pih-KAHN, PEE-kan, UK: /ˈpiːkən/ PEE-kən; Carya illinoinensis) is a species of hickory native to the southern United States and northern Mexico in the region of the Mississippi River.
| Pecan | |
|---|---|
| |
| Carya illinoinensis Morton Arboretum acc. 1082-39*3 | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fagales |
| Family: | Juglandaceae |
| Genus: | Carya |
| Section: | Carya sect. Apocarya |
| Species: | C. illinoinensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Carya illinoinensis | |
| |
| Natural range of Carya illinoinensis | |
| Synonyms | |
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The tree is cultivated for its seed primarily in the U.S. states of Georgia, New Mexico, and Texas, and in Mexico. The seed is an edible nut used as a snack and in various recipes, such as praline candy and pecan pie. The pecan is the state nut of Alabama, Arkansas, California, Texas and Louisiana, and is also the state tree of Texas.