Project Number: 6202-21000-023-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Jun 18, 2003
End Date: Apr 17, 2008

Objective:
Collect, identify, preserve, and distribute germplasm of Carya (pecans and hickories). Develop molecular genetic methods for the characterization of Carya collections. Evaluate Carya collections, and maintain museum grade documentation linking evaluation information to verified inventories. Translate the information gained concerning genetic diversity of Carya into programs that integrate conservation into ongoing practices.

Approach:
The propagation of backup inventories of key grafted materials will be continued. Irrigation will be established in Repository orchards. Historical records will continue to be computerized. The priority for collection will be species of Carya other than pecan. Greater representation of Asian species will be pursued through exchanges with cooperators in China and Vietnam. Established accessions will be characterized using standard descriptors for nut quality and phenology of growth and flowering. Additional descriptors will be developed for traits such as leaf and tree form. Molecular genetic methods will be refined for fingerprinting accessions and for characterizing populations. In situ reserves will be established for native populations based on population inventories that include characterization of genetic diversity derived from molecular analysis. Will work with state Conservation Reserve Programs to refine pecan seedstock selection and nursery practices to accomplish measurable progress in the establishment of diverse and (to the extent desired) improved populations of pecans for CRP plantations, a valuable but currently undeveloped form of ex situ conservation.