Spanish moss, _Tillandsia usneoides_, and Ball moss, _Tillandsia recurvata_ L., are not parasitic to the pecan tree and are similar to lichens in that they both derive their food from the air, rain or atmospheric moisture. Neglected orchards in areas of high humidity or poor air drainage are most troubled with Spanish moss and Ball moss. When large and excessive growths of Spanish moss develop in pecan trees, the shading effect to the leaves is detrimental to tree vigor, bearing and growth, Figure 7. _Control._—The Spanish moss plant like the pecan tree requires sunlight for vigorous growth. A pecan tree kept in a vigorous state of growth produces dense foliage that effectively shades accumulations of Spanish moss and retards its growth. Spanish moss is not a problem in pecan trees in orchards which are sprayed with fungicide for disease control. Both Spanish moss and Ball moss can be controlled by spraying pecan trees with 6 pounds of lead arsenate per 100 gallons of water[3]. Do not allow livestock to graze in orchards sprayed with lead arsenate. COTTON ROOT ROT Cotton root rot disease is caused by the fungus _Phymatotrichum omnivorum_ (Shear) Dvgg., a soil-inhabiting pathogen that attacks a wide range of host plants including the pecan. The roots of the pecan tree are invaded during the summer when growth of the fungus in the soil is most active. The infected roots are killed, disrupting the transportation of water to the leaves, Figure 8. Trees diseased by cotton root rot produce yellow foliage, and shedding of leaflets occurs during dry periods. Diseased trees usually die 1 to 3 years after becoming infected. [Illustration: Figure 7. Spanish moss accumulation in pecan trees reduces vigor from excessive shading.] [Illustration: Figure 8. Cotton root infected with cotton root rot fungus. Note the splitting and general deterioration of the root.] _Control._—An effective control for cotton root rot disease has not been developed. New orchards should not be planted in soil having a history of cotton root rot disease. _Pecan Insects and Their Control_ PECAN NUT CASEBEARER The pecan nut casebearer, _Acrobasis caryae_ Grote, is the major pest of pecans in Texas. Early in the spring, the overwintered generation feeds first in the buds and then in the developing shoots, causing them to wilt and die. Succeeding generations feed on the nuts during the late spring and summer, Figure 9. Severe infestations may destroy the entire crop of pecans. The adult is a light gray moth which is about one third inch in length. The wings are gray, and the forewings have a ridge of dark scales across them about one-third the distance from the base. The moths fly at night and spend the day in concealment. The young larvae are white to pink, but later become olive gray to green and attain a length of about one-half inch.