Progress 06/01/08 to 05/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences included both commercial and residential pecan growers in Louisiana and across the Southeastern pecan belt. Pecan evaluations and acquired information from the applied pecan breeding program are developed for the growers, nursery industry, and homeowners. Information developed in the areas of pecan genetics, pecan husbandry, and the health benefits of pecan nuts is aimed at the scientific community. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Varietal selection and management of fruits and nuts recommended for Northwest LA was discussed at the Louisiana Nursery in Keithville, LA. A presentation comparing the efficacy of soil and foliar applications of phosphite fungicides on the incidence of pecan scab was delivered at the Southeastern Pecan Growers Association Conference in Destin, FL. The most recent FDA guidelines concerning food facilities and the effects on pecan production in Louisiana was presented to the Louisiana Farm Bureau Market Produce Advisory Committee in Hammond, LA, and the LFBF Pecan Advisory Board in Alexandria, LA. Seminars on Low Maintenance Fruit for the Homescape and on Growing Citrus in North Louisiana were given at the American Rose Center's Green Thumb Educational Series in Shreveport, LA. A review of pecan anthracnose and shuck dieback and the use of phosphite fungicides was discussed at the Ark-La-Miss Tri-State Conference in Vicksburg, MS. An oral presentation on the evaluation and comparison of phosphorous acid biofungicides and fertilizer on control of pecan scab was given the First International Symposium on Pecans and Other Carya Species held at College Station, TX. Poster presentations on native pecan germplasm in Louisiana and on the evaluation of Retain plant growth regulator on pecan production were given at the same conference. An oral presentation on the Food Safety Modernization Act was delivered at the Northeast LA Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference in Winnsboro, LA. Articles published in PecanSouth discussed the proposed new food safety regulations, pesticide drift affecting pecan trees, and the range and effect of weather on pecan production. Interviews on pecan orchards, production, nutrition, and disease were conducted with KTBS-TV Channel 3, KALB-TV Channel 6, KSLA-TV Channel 12, and KPXJ-TV Channel 21 television stations and the Shreveport Times newspaper. Outreach materials have been provided to health professionals, Extension Agents, and the general public. Information has been shared utilizing lectures and laboratory classes in the Lousiana Master Gardener Program. One-on-one audience contact has been by telephone, fax, station visits, on-farm visits, and grower meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The breeding program is targeting new, early maturing, precocious, high yielding, regular bearing, disease and insect resistant, high quality pecan cultivars. Controlled crosses were made utilizing 'Pawnee' and 'Kanza' as parents to supply seed for the newly initiated breeding program at the Noble Foundation in Oklahoma. Several controlled-cross seedlings were selected from the breeding orchard at the Pecan Research/Extension Station for propagation and evaluation in replicated trials to determine value as new pecan cultivars. The efficacy of foliar applications of Fosphite®, Rampart®, Phostrol® and Nutri-phite® on pecan scab were compared with a standard commercial spray schedule using conventional fungicides. Additionally, soil applications of Fosphite®, Rampart®, Phostrol® and Nutri-phite® were tested to determine if they provide any protection against pecan scab infection. Foliar applications of phosphite fungicides provided good control of pecan scab and should be considered for inclusion in commercial fungicide rotations. Soil applications of phosphite fungicides did not provide adequate protection against pecan scab at the chemical rates used in the current study. None of the phosphite materials would be recommended for scab control as a soil applied treatment. Disease prevalence was much greater in trees receiving soil applications of phosphite fungicides compared to trees receiving foliar applications. Foliar applications of phosphite fungicides resulted in delays of nut shucksplit in 'Candy' and 'Desirable' pecan varieties. Some phytotoxicity was observed with foliar applications of phosphite compounds. Marginal burn typically appeared on leaf tips and lower leaflet margins where the solution had pooled and evaporated. Three conserved seed-storage proteins from the prolamin and cupin superfamilies, including 2S albumin, 7S vicillin, and 11S legumin are common allergens in nuts. The temporal expression of the genes encoding these proteins were characterized during pecan nut development. Transcript levels from the Car i 1, Car i 4, and the pecan 7S vicillin homologue (Car i 7S) genes were investigated in the cultivars, 'Desirable' and 'Sumner', using quantitative real-time PCR (RTqPCR). Values for Car i 1 and Car i 4 gene expression generally peaked in September, during the dough stage, with lower values at other times. There was a less distinct pattern of expression for Car i 7S, with lower values during August than in mid-September during 'Sumner' and lower values during August than during September and October in 'Desirable'. Both cultivars generally had similiar levels of transcripts, except for higher levels of Car i 1 and Car i 4 in 'Desirable' during August. Understanding the timing of allergen gene transcription could assist plant breeders in developingcultivars with lower allergen levels.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Mattison, C.P., M. R. Tarver, C. Florane, and C. J. Graham. 2012. Temporal expression of pecan allergens during nut development. The Journal of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology 88(2):173-178.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Graham, C.J. 2013. New food safety regulations on the horizon. Pecan South 45(12):4, 13-15.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Graham, C.J. 2013. Pesticide drift affecting pecan trees. Pecan South 46(4):8, 12.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Graham, C.J. 2013. A season of extremes. Pecan South 46(8):8, 19.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Stephenson, Daniel O., Miller, Donnie K., Sanders, Dearl E., Webster, Eric P., Griffin, James L., Strahan, Ronald E., Graham, Charles J. 2013. Louisiana's Suggested Chemical Weed Management Guide (online store item), LSU AgCenter.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Graham, C.J. 2013. Pecans. 2012 LSU AgCenter Agriculture Summary
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Graham, C.J. 2013. Evaluation and comparison of phosphorous acid biofungicides and fertilizer on control of pecan scab. Acta Horticulturae.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Graham, C.J. 2013. Native pecan germplasm in Louisiana. Acta Horticulturae.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Graham, C.J. 2013. Evaluation of Retain� plant growth regulator on pecan production. Acta Horticulturae.
|
Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Outputs of this project were discussed in presentations at the Louisiana Nursery in Keithville, LA, the Southeastern Pecan Growers Association (SEPGA) Conference in Point Clear, AL, the Washington Garden Festival in St. Landry parish, the Creole Sweet: The Praline and Its World Conference in New Orleans, LA., and the Louisiana Pecan Growers Association fall seminar in Dry Creek, LA. Articles published in PecanSouth discussed expectations from trees following drought, changes the cultural management calendar adjusted for early spring, and the prevalence and impact of several minor pecan diseases. The benefits and disadvantages of mulching pecan trees, cultural management, pecan nut development and abortion, and the effect of Hurricane Isaac on the pecan industry were outlined in articles for the Horticultural Hints newsletter, LPGA newsletter, and several mass media outlets. Outreach materials have been provided to health professionals, Extension Agents, and the general public. One-on-one audience contact has been by telephone, fax, station visits, on-farm visits, and grower meetings. PARTICIPANTS: Charles Graham (PI), LSU AgCenter; Honey Bayou Farm, Harmon, LA; Verl Day Orchard, Batchelor, LA; and Christopher Mattison, USDA-ARS Center, New Orleans, LA. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences included the nursery industry, as well as both commercial and residential pecan growers in Louisiana and across Southeastern pecan belt. Scientific information developed in the areas of pecan genetics, pecan husbandry, and the health benefits of pecan nuts is aimed at the scientific community. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Research was continued at commercial orchards in Red River and Point Coupee parishes. The research objectives are a) to compare the efficacy of foliar applications of Fosphite, Rampart, Phostrol, and Nutri-phite on pecan scab (Fusicladium effusum G. Winter) to a commonly used conventional fungicide, Enable, and b) to determine if soil applications of Fosphite, Rampart, Phostrol and Nutri-phite provide any protection against pecan scab infection. Disease prevalence was much greater in trees receiving soil applications of phosphite fungicides compared with trees receiving foliar applications. Trees at both orchard locations received structural damage from thunderstorms associated with Hurricane Isaac. Data collected will be used to develop fungicide recommendations for commercial and residential pecan producers. An orchard established in 2006 at the Pecan Research Station is being used to test alternate forms of nitrogen and fertilizer rates on growth, nutrition, and production. Information collected from the orchard will be used to develop fertilizer recommendations for different pecan management systems. A pecan orchard being developed at the Dean Lee Research Station near Alexandria as part of a NPACTS evaluation project was discontinued because of tree loss. A cooperative project between the LSU AgCenter and the USDA-ARS in New Orleans, LA, continued looking at the temporal expression of several pecan allergens during the development of two pecan varieties. The information gained from our study will provide the foundation for a detailed molecular understanding of gene expression and protein accumulation within a developing pecan nut. A cooperative demonstration orchard consisting of Caddo, Desirable, Elliott, Nacono, Oconee, and Pawnee pecan cultivars grafted onto Moore rootstock continues to be developed. Even though the orchard received several fungicide applications over the growing season, several minor pecan diseases including anthracnose, Gnomomia leaf spot, and powdery mildew were prevalent through the orchard. Nut vivipary was present in all six cultivars with the highest incidence occurring in the Nacono variety. Information collected from the orchard will help determine the economic feasibility of current LSU AgCenter pecan production recommendations.
Publications
- Hummer, K.E., Pomper, K.W., Postman, J.D., Graham, C.J., Stover, E., Mercure, E.W., Aradhya, M., Crisosto, C.H., Ferguson, L., Thompson, M.M., Byers, P., and Zee, F. 2012. Emerging Fruit Crops. Chapter 4, pp. 97-147. In: (M.L. Badenes and D.H. Byrne, eds), Fruit Breeding, Springer, NY, NY. 875 pp.
- Graham, C.J. 2012. 2012: The year the minors went major. Pecan South 45(8):4, 17-18.
- Graham, C.J. 2012. Spring came early, do not get caught unprepared. Pecan South 45(4):4, 12, 14.
- Graham, C.J. 2012. What to expect from your trees after a severe drought. Pecan South 44(12):4, 19-20.
- Graham, C.J. 2012. Mulching pecan trees in the landscape. Horticulture Hints, Spring Edition, pp. 12-13.
- Graham, C.J. 2012. Pecan crop forecast. Louisiana Pecan Growers Newsletter, Fall Edition, pp. 3.
- Graham, C.J. 2012. Pecans. 2011 LSU AgCenter Agriculture Summary.
|
Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Varietal selection and management of fruits and nuts for Northwest LA was discussed at the Louisiana Nursery in Keithville, LA. Antioxidant studies on native and improved varieties of pecan at the LSU Pecan Research Station in addition to information acquired from other sources was presented at the 45th Annual Western Pecan Association Conference at Las Cruces, NM. The benefits of proper fertilization and irrigation to produce a healthy pecan crop was presented at the Louisiana Pecan Growers/Pecan Producers of Louisiana Association Spring Educational Seminar at West Monroe, LA. Site selection and tree establishment for pecan orchards plus crops that could be potentially intercropped in newly established pecan orchards was discussed with a minority farmer contigent from Mississippi. Production and tree growth in the Cultivar Demonstration Orchard, status of the NPACTS orchard in Alexandria, LA, "Retain" growth regulator research, and phosphite research was discussed at the Tri-State Pecan Conference. The use of phosphite compounds as fertilizers and fungicides was discussed at the Alabama Pecan Growers Association Conference in Fairhope, AL. The scientific information developed in the health benefits of pecan nuts was published in the proceedings of the 45th Annual Western Pecan Growers Conference. Articles published in PecanSouth discussed the importance of a good soil, the effects of drought on pecan production, and how pecan shucksplit is influenced by different types of stresses. Cultural management, pecan nut development and abortion, and state crop estimates were outlined in articles for the Horticultural Hints newsletter and In-A-Nutshell newsletter. Outreach materials have been provided to health professionals, Extension Agents, dieticians, and the general public. One-on-one audience contact has been by telephone, fax, station visits, on-farm visits, and during grower meetings. PARTICIPANTS: Charles Graham (PI), LSU AgCenter; Roger Wilson, Honey Bayou Farm, Harmon, LA; and Verl Day production orchard near Batchelor, LA. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences included both commercial and residential pecan growers in Louisiana and across the Southeastern US pecan belt. The scientific information developed in the areas of pecan genetics, pecan husbandry, and the health benefits of pecan nuts is aimed at the scientific community. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Research plots for a Specialty Crops grant were established at commercial orchards in Red River and Pointe Coupee parishes. The season long drought was prohibitive to scab lesion formation and very little scab infection developed until late in the season following rains associated with Tropical Storm Lee. Phytochemical levels were evaluated in kernels of native Louisiana selections located across several parishes in Louisiana. New information about the nutritional properties of pecans will encourage health and nutrition professionals to promote the consumption of pecans as a beneficial and nutritional habit. An orchard established in 2006 at the Pecan Research Station tested alternate forms of nitrogen and fertilizer rates on growth, nutrition, and production. A pecan orchard continues to be developed at the Dean Lee Research Station near Alexandria as part of a NPACTS evaluation project. The seedling trees will be grafted to advanced selections from the USDA Pecan Breeding Program and superior native selections collected in Louisiana. It is a non-irrigated site, which resulted in limited growth and the death of several trees during the severe drought conditions of 2011. A cooperative demonstration orchard consisting of Caddo, Desirable, Elliott, Nacono, Oconee, and Pawnee pecan cultivars grafted onto Moore rootstock continues to be developed. Based on trunk cross-sectional area, Oconee is the most vigorous cultivar in the test, followed by Pawnee. The percent of trees with a crop ranged from 50% in Elliott to 83% in Pawnee. Information collected from the orchard will help determine the economic feasibility of current LSU AgCenter pecan production recommendations. Drought conditions in 2011 resulted in a decrease in nut size and caused very late shuck split and sticktight problems in many pecan cultivars.
Publications
- Graham, C.J. 2011. Antioxidant research on pecan: Is it still important Proceedings of the 45th Annual Western Pecan Growers Association Conference, Las Cruces, NM, March 6-8, 2011. Vol. 45, pp. 35-38.
- Graham, C.J. 2011. Aw shucks: this year just aint normal. Pecan South 44(8):6, 10, 19, 25.
- Graham, C.J. 2011. How will weather affect this years crop. Pecan South 44(4):8, 10.
- Graham, C.J. 2011. The importance of good soil. Pecan South 43(12):8, 11.
- Graham, C.J. 2011. How is your pecan crop looking. In a Nutshell Newsletter. No. 2, pp. 4-5.
- Graham, C.J. 2011. Pecan nut development and causes of nut abortion. Horticulture Hints, Summer Edition, pp. 6-7.
- Graham, C.J. 2011. Cultural management of pecans in the homescape. Horticulture Hints, Spring Edition, pp. 8-9.
- Graham, C.J. 2011. Pecans: What can we expect in 2011. In: (ed) Guidry, K.M., LSU AgCenter Agricultural Outlook.
- Graham, C.J. 2011. Pecans. 2011 LSU AgCenter Agriculture Summary.
|
Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Pecan evaluations and acquired information from the applied pecan breeding program were presented at the Louisiana Pecan Growers/Pecan Producers of Louisiana Association Spring Educational Seminar at Alexandria, LA. The best management practices for pecan production were discussed at the TriState Pecan Growers Conference in Vicksburg, MS. Pecan fertilization, pecan breeding, and Retain growth regulator research was discussed at the LSU Pecan Research Station Field Day in Shreveport, LA. Stink bug management and the NPACTS orchard project was presented at the LPGA/PPLA Fall Educational Seminar in Alexandria, LA. The scientific information developed in pecan genetics and the health benefits of pecan nuts was published in the proceedings of the National Pecan Scientists Conference. Articles published in PecanSouth discussed pecan varieties, assistance programs, and post-harvest disorders. Irrigation and fertilization practices were outlined in articles for the Horticultural Hints newsletter and In-A-Nutshell newsletter. Outreach materials have been provided to health professionals, Extension Agents, dieticians, and the general public. One-on-one audience contact has been by telephone, fax, station visits, on-farm visits, and grower meetings PARTICIPANTS: Charles Graham, horticulturist for the LSU Pecan Research Station, participated in all of the projects. Mike Hall, entomologist for the LSU Pecan Research Station, assisted in the ProGibb tests at the Pecan Research Station and Rosalie Plantation. Off-site tests were conducted at Honey Bayou Farm located at Harmon, LA, Natchitoches Pecan at Cloutierville, LA, and at Rosalie Plantation near Alexandria, LA. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences included both commercial and residential pecan growers in Louisiana. Additionally, commercial growers across the Southeastern pecan belt were targeted. Pecan evaluations and acquired information from the applied pecan breeding program are developed for the growers, nursery industry, and homeowners in Louisiana and surrounding states with areas of similar environments. The scientific information developed in the areas of pecan genetics, pecan husbandry, and the health benefits of pecan nuts is aimed at the scientific community. Audience contact has been by telephone, fax, station visits, on-farm visits, and grower meetings. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Our knowledge of native Carya spp. genetic variation was increased by systematic sampling of native pecan populations throughout their distribution in Louisiana, and complete evaluation of their horticultural characteristics. Phytochemical levels were evaluated in kernels of native Louisiana selections located in several parishes across Louisiana. New information about the nutritional properties of pecans will encourage health and nutrition professionals to promote the consumption of pecans as a beneficial and nutritional habit. A pecan orchard with 455 seedlings was grafted to improved varieties in 2009-2010. The percentage of successful grafts was Caddo (58%), Creek (73%), Desirable (82%), Forkert (62%), Melrose (82%), Pawnee (86%), and Sumner (60%). Unsuccessful grafts will be re-grafted in 2011. The orchard is testing alternate forms of nitrogen and fertilizer rates on growth, nutrition, and production. Information collected from the orchard will be used to develop fertilizer recommendations for different pecan management systems. A new 268 tree pecan orchard was established at the Dean Lee Research Station near Alexandria. The seedling trees will be grafted to advanced selections from the USDA Pecan Breeding Program as part of the NPACTS evaluation project. Additionally, superior native selections collected in Louisiana will be included for evaluation. This will provide information on yield, nut quality, disease resistance, and insect susceptibility for each of the selections if they are selected for public release and commercialization. A cooperative demonstration orchard consisting of Caddo, Desirable, Elliott, Nacono, Oconee, and Pawnee pecan cultivars grafted onto Moore rootstock continues to be developed. Based on trunk cross-sectional area, Pawnee and Oconee were the most vigorous cultivars in the test. Over 75% of trees of Caddo, Desirable, Oconee, and Pawnee produced catkins, but only 60% of Nacono and 0% of Elliott produced male flowers. Nut production ranged from a low of 12.5% of Elliott trees to a high of 45% of Nacono trees. Information collected from the orchard will help determine the economic feasibility of current LSU AgCenter pecan production recommendations. Foliar applications of an ethylene inhibiting plant growth regulator were made following stigmatic receptivity of Desirable, Success, and Oconee nuts to evaluate its ability for increasing nut set/retention in pecan. Information collected from the test was integrated with existing knowledge to devise new horticultural management tools that solve production problems of importance to Louisiana growers. A cool spring and drought conditions during Aug.-Oct. resulted in a very late shuck split and sticktight problems in many pecan cultivars. Sumner and Curtis pecan varieties received foliar applications of ethephon, Retain, and ProGibb to determine the effect on shuck split acceleration and nut quality. Data collected on shucksplit, vivipary, and leaf defoliation will be used to develop management recommendations for commercial pecan producers.
Publications
- Graham, C.J. 2010. Steps to protect your pecans this harvest season. Pecan South 43(8):7-8.
- Graham, C.J.. 2010. MarketMaker will help pecan producers. In a Nutshell Newsletter. No. 3, pp. 4-6.
- Sanderlin, R.S. and C.J. Graham. 2010. A case for crop thinning. In a Nutshell Newsletter. No. 2, pp. 1-3.
- Graham, C.J. 2010. Is it time to make a few changes Pecan South 42(12):4-5.
- Graham, C.J.. 2010. Winter activities to prepare for a new season. In a Nutshell Newsletter. No. 4, pp. 4-6.
- Graham, C.J. 2010. Pecans. 2010 LSU AgCenter Agriculture Summary.
- Graham, C.J., A. Gibson, and A. Thomas. 2010. Factors to Consider When Analyzing Antioxidants in Pecan. Proceedings of the 6th National Pecan Scientist Conference, Ardmore, OK. Vol. 6, pp. 96-103.
- Graham, C.J. 2010. Early spring activities in the pecan orchard. In a Nutshell Newsletter. No. 1, pp. 8-9.
- Graham, C.J. 2010. Do not forget to water your pecans. Horticulture Hints, Fall Edition, pp. 8-9.
- Graham, C.J. 2010. Fertilizing pecan trees. Horticulture Hints, Spring Edition, pp. 10-11.
- Graham, C.J. 2010. Pecans: What can we expect in 2010. In: (ed) Guidry, K.M., LSU AgCenter Agricultural Outlook.
- Graham, C.J. 2010. Specialty crop assistance programs available for native pecan producers. Pecan South 43(4):4,6.
|
Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The general objective of this research project is enhance a grower's ability to be profitable on a yearly basis and to solve production associated problems that are most limiting for pecan (Carya illinoinensis) husbandry in the humid environment of the southeastern United States. Pecan evaluations and acquired information from the applied pecan breeding program were distributed via presentations at grower venues such as the National Pecan Scientist Conference; Educational Seminars and Workshops for the Louisiana Pecan Growers and Pecan Producers of Louisiana Association, and LSU Pecan Research Station Field Days. The scientific information developed in the areas of pecan genetics, pecan husbandry, and the health benefits of pecan nuts was distributed via scientific journals, national scientific meetings, and articles in the popular press. An article discussing the potential of utilizing non-marketable pecans and water hickory for biodiesel production was published in Louisiana Agriculture. Outreach materials have been provided to health professionals, Extension Agents, dieticians, and the general public. One-on-one audience contact has been by telephone, fax, Station visits, on-farm visits, and grower meetings. PARTICIPANTS: Off-site test was conducted at Honey Bayou Farm near Coushatta, LA. Collaborated with G. Breitenbeck, School of Plant, Environmental & Soil Sciences, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA, and J. Iqbal, W.A. Callegari Environmental Center, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA, on biodiesel research. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences included both commercial and residential pecan growers in Louisiana. Additionally, commercial growers across the Southeastern pecan belt were targeted. Pecan evaluations and acquired information from the applied pecan breeding program are developed for the growers, nursery industry, and homeowners in Louisiana and surrounding states with areas of similar environments. The scientific information developed in the areas of pecan genetics, pecan husbandry, and the health benefits of pecan nuts is aimed at the scientific community. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Our knowledge of native Carya spp. genetic variation was increased by systematic sampling of native pecan populations throughout their distribution in Louisiana and complete evaluation of their horticultural characteristics. Phytochemical levels were evaluated in kernels of native Louisiana selections growing in the Inglewood Orchard near Alexandria, LA, and other superior native trees located in several parishes across Louisiana. New information about the nutritional properties of pecans will encourage health and nutrition professionals to promote the consumption of pecans as a beneficial and nutritional habit. Pecan cultivars and selections collected at the Pecan Research Station at Shreveport, LA, and the Inglewood Experimental Orchard at Alexandria, LA, are evaluated annually for nut quality characteristics including nuts/kg (NK) and percent kernel (PK). Most native selections have good scab resistance and leaf retention but suffer from low shellout (less than 50 percent) and small size. A cooperative demonstration orchard consisting of Caddo, Desirable, Elliott, Nacono, Oconee, and Pawnee pecan cultivars grafted onto Moore rootstock continues to be developed. Based on trunk cross-sectional area, Oconee continues to be the most vigorous cultivar in the test. Many of the trees produced male catkins in 2009, but only a few of the trees have produced female flowers. Information collected from the orchard will help determine the economic feasibility of current LSU AgCenter pecan production recommendations. Foliar applications of an ethylene inhibiting plant growth regulator were made following stigmatic receptivity of Desirable nuts to evaluate its ability for increasing nut set/retention in pecan. Information collected from the test was integrated with existing knowledge to devise new horticultural management tools that solve production problems of importance to Louisiana growers. Preliminary studies of non-marketable wild and off-grade pecans, as well as water hickory, indicate they may have value as both biodiesel feedstocks and protein meal. The utilization of non-marketable pecans for biofuels and feeds will benefit growers as well as processors.
Publications
- Breitenbeck, G., Graham, C., and J. Iqbal. 2009. Potential of nonmarketable pecans for biodiesel production. Louisiana Agriculture 53(4):27,35.
- Graham, C.J. 2009. What else can I do with pecans Pecan South 42(8):4-5, 8.
- Graham, C.J. 2009. Are native pecan groves our local rainforest Pecan South 42(4):7, 10, 24, 26-27.
- Graham, C.J. 2009. Annual Meetings Held by National Pecan Growers Council hold Meetings in Florida and New Mexico. The Pecan Grower. Vol. 20, No. 4, pp. 70-71.
- Graham, C.J. 2009. Corrective pruning on mature pecans trees. Horticulture Hints, Winter Edition.
- Graham, C.J. 2009. Selecting pecan trees for the home landscape. Horticulture Hints, Winter Edition.
|
Progress 06/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Information developed from the program is used to design new orchards with optimum disease resistance. Native pecan germplasm evaluations were shared with other researchers at the Carya Crop Germplasm Committee Meeting at Las Cruces, New Mexico. This information was distributed via presentations at grower venues such as the Georgia Pecan Growers Association Conference (crop load management in pecan orchards), the Tri-State Pecan Conference (pecan cultural management research), the Louisiana Pecan Growers Association Conference (influence of rootstock on pecan production), the Alabama Pecan Growers Association Conference (pecan orchard production research), and LSU Pecan Research Station Field Days. PARTICIPANTS: Amy Thomas worked as a research associate at the LSU Pecan Research Station on the project from June 1, 2008 to August 1, 2008. Off-site tests were conducted at Double P Farms near Monroe, LA and at Honey Bayou Farm near Coushatta, LA. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences included both commercial and residential pecan growers in Louisiana. Additionally, commercial growers across the Southeastern pecan belt were targeted. Pecan evaluations and acquired information from the applied pecan breeding program are developed for the growers, nursery industry, and homeowners in Louisiana and surrounding states with areas of similar environments. The scientific information developed in the areas of pecan genetics, pecan husbandry, and the health benefits of pecan nuts is aimed at the scientific community. It is distributed via refereed scientific journals, internet publications, and outreach materials targeted towards health professionals, Extension Agents, dieticians, and the general public. Audience contact has been by telephone, fax, station visits, on-farm visits, and grower meetings. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Weather strongly influenced pecan production over the initial months of the project. In 2008, Louisiana was hit by hurricanes Gustav and Ike, resulting in the original estimate of 15 million pounds being reduce to under 3 million pounds for the state pecan crop. Forest elimination associated with agriculture and urbanization remains one of the greatest threats to the long term sustainability of the genetic diversity in native pecans. Native pecan germplasm continues to be lost from recent hurricanes destroying many large native trees in south-central Louisiana. Proper stewardship of the genetic diversity is imperative for preservation of native pecan for the future and can only be accomplished by increasing our knowledge of native Carya spp. genetic variation. This is accomplished by systematic sampling of native pecan populations throughout their distribution in Louisiana, and complete evaluation of the horticultural characteristics. The level of phytochemicals are being evaluated in kernels of native Louisiana selections growing in the Inglewood Orchard near Alexandria, LA. These trees were established by researchers and growers following a 1996 survey of native orchards in Point Coupee Parish, LA. Other superior native trees have been identified by growers and nuts were collected from these native trees located in several parishes across Louisiana. The incorporation of new germplasm into pecan breeding lines will greatly increase opportunities to develop genetically improved disease and pest resistance, product quality and phytonutrient value. Controlled crosses involved cultivars with a proven record in Louisiana and are aimed at providing cultivars specifically adapted to Louisiana growing conditions. Pecan cultivars and selections collected at the Pecan Research Station at Shreveport, LA, and the Inglewood Experimental Orchard at Alexandria, LA, are evaluated annually for nut quality characteristics including nuts/kg (NK) and percentage kernel (PK). Most native selections have good scab resistance and leaf retention but suffer from low shellout (less than 50 percent) and small size. A cooperative demonstration orchard planted 2005 continues to be developed. The orchard consists of Caddo, Desirable, Elliott, Nacono, Oconee, and Pawnee pecan cultivars grafted onto Moore rootstock. Based on trunk cross-sectional area, Oconee continues to be the most vigorous cultivar in the test. Many of the trees produced male catkins in 2008, but none of the trees have produced female flowers. Information collected from the orchard will help determine the economic feasibility of current LSU AgCenter pecan production recommendations. An ethylene inhibiting plant growth regulator was tested on Desirable pecan cultivar at two off-station sites to evaluate its ability for increasing nut set/retention in pecan. Foliar applications were made following stigmatic receptivity of the nuts. Information collected from the test will be integrated with existing knowledge to devise new horticultural management tools that solve production problems of importance to Louisiana growers.
Publications
- Pyzner, J., R. S. Sanderlin, and C. J. Graham. 2008. Recommended Pecan Varieties for Louisiana Yards. LSU AgCenter Content Management System. 4 pp. http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/our_offices/ research_stations/Pecan/Features/Horticulture.
|
|