2017 ASHS Annual Conference

Carya illinoinensis is a large deciduous nut tree native to North America and grown extensively throughout diverse environmental areas in the US and recently introduced to other continents. Domestication of the pecan tree is rather recent with commercial orchards first being planted in the late 1800’s and the development of genetic tools is essential for effectively addressing key constraints to stable and high quality nutmeat production. Genetic variation within this species allows for differential adaptation in wide ranges of environments; thus, understanding the genetics of several genotypes will allow for identification of the genetic elements controlling specific traits. PacBio and illumina sequencing platforms are being used to obtain genome sequence of four pecan cultivars each with traits that will allow for marker development. Specific mapping populations are being generated and linkage maps and SNP markers will be evaluated. Genetic markers are being developed for key traits such as tree architecture, efficient nutrient uptake/transport, scab disease resistance, salinity tolerance, drought tolerance, and nut quality. Progeny from select crosses are currently being cloned using micropropagation techniques and the clones will be planted in Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico to evaluate the impact of environment with the genetics from these crosses. Markers and RNASeq studies are currently in progress to understand the molecular mechanisms that control the issues due to alternate bearing, scab disease resistance, and salinity tolerance that impact the production of pecan. A website that will allow access to databases is being developed and will be made available to different levels of industry including links for breeders, plant pathologists, pecan growers, nurseries, and researchers. The impacts from these efforts will allow for generation of improved cultivars and rootstocks for all US growing regions in a substantially shorter time which will ultimately allow growers and other portions of the pecan industry to realize economic benefits. Also, understanding the regional adaptation of these pecan trees will ultimately alter the current management systems that may result in environmental benefits such as reduced water and pesticide usage. The presentation will also include approaches of grantsmanship, project management, and working with advisory boards.