2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Characterize the genetic diversity of Carya using molecular genetic tools. Develop new molecular genetic procedures as needed and appropriate. Use the information developed to guide the conservation of Carya populations and the selection and deployment of germplasm. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Microsatellite primers developed in previous research will be used to characterize accessions at the level of species, population, and individual, and to verify questions of parentage. New primers will be developed as needed. Other techniques, such as Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs) and Expressed Sequence Tag analysis (ESTs) will be pursued. 3.Progress Report This is a new project, with the goals of characterizing the genetic diversity of Carya (pecan) using molecular genetic tools, developing new molecular genetic procedures as appropriate, and using the information developed by project work to guide both the conservation of important native Carya populations, and the selection, development, and deployment of improved germplasm for development of new pecan cultivars. In FY 2011, work focused on prioritization of activities, development of protocols, and development of extramural funding proposals (with cooperator and other Carya researchers) to enhance the productivity of project research. As work under the project continues, important new and highly detailed genetic information on the genus Carya will be achieved through application of modern tools and techniques of molecular biology. The ADODR of this project and the cooperator are located in close physical proximity and are in contact with one another on an ongoing basis. Because of this close physical relationship, the ADODR and the cooperator (or key personnel working under the cooperator) meet and discuss the direction and progress of the work on a regular basis.