Revealing the New Mexico Pecan Root-Soil Microbiome to Improve Plant Health and Productivity

1. Principal Investigators (PIs):- Richard Heerema (Extension Plant Sciences Department and Plant & Environmental Sciences Department, rjheerem@nmsu.edu); Jennifer Randall (Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science Department, jrandall@nmsu.edu); Nicole Pietrasiak (Plant and Environmental Sciences Department, npietras@ad.nmsu.edu)

2. Summary: Pecan roots lack root-hairs which allow many other plants to more efficiently explore and exploit the soil for resources such as nutrients and water. However, pecan roots can form symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi that might serve a similar function as root-hairs by dramatically increasing the volume of soil “mined” by the tree’s root system. Currently, very little is known about the occurrence and kinds of mycorrhizal fungi species forming associations with pecan roots in the Southwestern US or how orchard soils, irrigation systems, and orchard management practices may affect their presence/absence. In this study, we will document the diversity and abundance of the microbes (including mycorrhizae) associated with pecan tree roots in the Southwest. We will furthermore evaluate relationships of pecan tree micronutrients to the root microbiome and attempt to identify potential key microbes that could increase pecan tree health and productivity. We expect that this information will allow New Mexico pecan farmers to begin to conscientiously manage the root microbiome to their advantage. This work directly addresses the first NMSU ACES Pillar for economic and community development, Food and Fiber Production and Marketing, by addressing a potential solution for a major limitation to production and profitability of pecans, one of the most important economic contributors to New Mexico’s agricultural industry.