Avoid "drench or drought" plant watering
Flood watering between wilting events results in additional stress on plants, resulting in reduced growth and fruit production. The use of drip irrigation, soil moisture meters (irrometers) and mulch to maintain proper soil moisture levels at or near the field's capacity results in better plant performance. Soil moisture is required for plants to dissipate heat. Consistent soil moisture levels can be maintained more easily when water is delivered through a drip irrigation system based on accurate readings from an irrometer. Mulching the soil surface underneath plants can also help by insulting the soil from heat and reducing the evaporation rate.
Prepare for delayed pecan weevil emergence
Pecan weevils can cause extreme damage to a pecan crop if not controlled. The weevils usually emerge from their soil cells (four to 10 inches beneath the surface) starting in August or September, and normally during rain. Emergence can be monitored using a number of different trapping methods, with a trunk circle trap being the most common. During drought, soils can become impermeable, making pecan weevil emergence more difficult and sporadic. Some pecan weevil emergence will occur through cracks in the ground, but a sufficient rainfall (one to three inches) will be needed to soften the soil for normal emergence. With delayed emergence, timing sprays for weevil becomes more difficult.
For more information on pecan weevil control, see Anticipated Pecan Weevil Emergence in 2006. Normal or Drought-delayed? and Biology and Control of the Pecan Weevil in Oklahoma
Reduce temperature and solar radiation on plants
Mist, shade or coat garden plants to mitigate plant stress during extreme daytime temperatures. Irrigation is not enough. Overhead misting applied at short, regular intervals during the heat of the day can effectively reduce air temperatures. Overhead shading using 50 percent transparency shade fabric in combination with misting provides the best results. If shading and misting is not an option, applying a powdered clay material called Surround® crop protectant to garden plants following moisture application provides a layer of coating to plant tissues insulating them from the heat and preventing sun scald.