Articles
NATIVE PECAN GERMPLASM IN LOUISIANA
Article number
1070_14
Pages
133 – 136
Language
English
Abstract
The pecan, Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch, is the most economically important member of the Carya genus and is the most valuable native North American nut crop.
The majority of the improved orchards are located in the central and northern parts of the state with native trees dominating production in southern Louisiana.
Only Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana have large areas of natives, while smaller areas are reported for five other states.
For total US pecan production, improved cultivars accounted for 82% of production from 2009-2011. In contrast, native trees accounted for the majority (78%) of the production in the Louisiana from 2009-2011. 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.
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.
Superior native trees have been identified from hundreds of evaluations and warrant further evaluation.
Preliminary evaluations have identified native selections with high levels of pecan scab resistance.
Native pecan nuts have been analyzed with 4 to 5 times the antioxidant concentration of improved pecan cultivars such as Oconee. The incorporation of native germplasm into pecan breeding lines will greatly increase opportunities to develop genetically improved disease and pest resistance, product quality and phytonutrient value.
The majority of the improved orchards are located in the central and northern parts of the state with native trees dominating production in southern Louisiana.
Only Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana have large areas of natives, while smaller areas are reported for five other states.
For total US pecan production, improved cultivars accounted for 82% of production from 2009-2011. In contrast, native trees accounted for the majority (78%) of the production in the Louisiana from 2009-2011. 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.
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.
Superior native trees have been identified from hundreds of evaluations and warrant further evaluation.
Preliminary evaluations have identified native selections with high levels of pecan scab resistance.
Native pecan nuts have been analyzed with 4 to 5 times the antioxidant concentration of improved pecan cultivars such as Oconee. The incorporation of native germplasm into pecan breeding lines will greatly increase opportunities to develop genetically improved disease and pest resistance, product quality and phytonutrient value.
Authors
C.J. Graham
Keywords
Carya illinoinensis, explorers, native population, germplasm evaluation, biofuels, production, conservation
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