Cunard

History

‘Cunard’ was released in 2011 by Dr. Darrell Sparks at the University of Georgia.  ‘Cunard’ was originally tested as ‘Selection No. 70’ and originated from the cross ‘Wichita’ x ‘Pawnee’.  

Comments

Trees of ‘Cunard’ have not been tested in our trials.  The information provided here is from observations of ‘Cunard’ in test orchards in Albany, Ga.

‘Cunard’ was selected as a large, early maturing high quality cultivar with high yield potential.  Nut size is larger than 45 nuts/lb and kernel percentage is about 60%.  Cluster size is large leading to heavy early yields, but also leading to a need to crop thin at a very early age to prevent alternate bearing.  This cultivar should not be planted unless the grower is willing to crop thin or hedge to control crop load.  Kernel color will darken with storage and the crop should be sold promptly.

Scab resistance of ‘Cunard’ is poor and excellent scab control will be needed to control this disease.  Harvest period of ‘Cunard’ is mid-September, similar to ‘Byrd’.  Cunard is type II, protogynous, and is pollinated by ‘Cape Fear’, ‘Pawnee’, and ‘Desirable’.

‘Cunard’ was released to be a high quality, early nut, which it is.  However, due to its’ very large nut size, large cluster size, and scab susceptibility, it will require nearly perfect culture to reach its potential.  I believe ‘Cunard’ is better suited to western pecan growing regions and would not recommend it be planted in Georgia.