2012 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: The goals of this project are to characterize the genetic diversity of Carya using molecular genetic tools; to develop new molecular genetic procedures as needed and appropriate; and to use the information obtained to guide the conservation of Carya populations and the selection and deployment of germplasm. In FY 2012, a panel of 9 diverse pecan accessions (Desirable, Halbert, Mahan, Major, Starking Hardy Giant, Sumner, Western, Wichita, and 87-MX-5-1.7) was evaluated using a modern molecular technique known as Restriction-site Associated DNA sequencing (RADseq). More than 800 molecular markers known as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were generated for use in characterizing the genetic characteristics of various pecan types. Work by this project, as it continues, will result in development of additional molecular tools for productive application to pecan research and breeding efforts.