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.