2019 ASHS Annual Conference

Southwest Native American Tribes, such as the Navajo, Hopi, and Pueblo, have grown peaches at least since the early 1600’s, making them an important food source. Few isolated peach orchards in remote canyons and mesa shelves are still tended using traditional methods. The purpose of this study was to locate and characterize these plantings in order to understand the genetics of these isolated land races, to determine the conditions under which they are grown, and to document traditional management practices. Seeds were collected from these isolated populations for genetic analysis. Soils, microclimate and water availability were documented for these sites. Live and dead tree core samples were collected with oral histories from Native American elders regarding the crops’ management and uses. Preliminary analysis indicates populations from different locations are also isolated genetically. Oral histories of management practices indicate that trees were not pruned or thinned, and only passively irrigated. Dendrochronological analysis confirms the oral histories regarding management. The results of this research will be used to help preserve traditional knowledge that can be utilized to produce and promote this historically and culturally important crop.