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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Logan, Utah » Forage and Range Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #370160
Research Project: Improved Plant Genetic Resources and Methodologies for Rangelands, Pastures, and Turf Landscapes in the Semiarid Western U.S.

Location: Forage and Range Research

Title: Genetic analysis of peaches grown by Native Americans in the North American Southwest

Author
item WYTSALUCY, REAGAN - Utah State University
item GASIC, KSENIJA - Clemson University
item Robbins, Matthew
item CARDON, GRANT - Utah State University
item DROST, DAN - Utah State University
item BLACK, BRENT - Utah State University

Submitted to: Journal of the American Pomological Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/13/2020
Publication Date: 4/15/2020
Citation: Wytsalucy, R.C., Gasic, K., Robbins, M.D., Cardon, G., Drost, D., Black, B. 2020. Genetic analysis of peaches grown by Native Americans in the North American Southwest. Journal of the American Pomological Society. http://www.pubhort.org/aps/74/v74_n2_a2.htm.

Interpretive Summary: Southwest Native American Tribes including the Navajo, Hopi, and Pueblo, have grown peaches as an important food source since at least the early 1600s. Few isolated peach orchards remain in remote canyons and mesa shelves, and are still tended using traditional methods. The purpose of this study was to locate and characterize these orchards in order to understand how genetically related they are. Three distinct geographic regions with peaches were identified, representing lands from Navajo and Hopi Tribes. Seeds were collected from these isolated orchards for genetic analysis, and soil type, microclimate and water availability were documented for these sites. Genetic analysis indicates orchards from each of the three regions are genetically distinct from modern cultivars, as well as among the three locations. However, several individuals sampled showed genetics from modern cultivars, indicated they may have crossed these cultivars. These isolated orchards need further characterization for characteristics that could be used in modern cultivars and should be protected for their unique genetic and cultural significance.

Technical Abstract: Southwest Native American Tribes including the Navajo, Hopi, and Pueblo, have grown peaches as an important food source since at least the early 1600s. Few isolated peach orchards remain in remote canyons and mesa shelves, and 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 peach populations. Three distinct regions with peaches were identified, representing lands from Navajo and Hopi Tribes. Seeds were collected from these isolated populations for genetic analysis, and soil type, microclimate and water availabilty were documented for these sites. Genetic analysis indicates populations from each of the three regions are genetically distinct from modern cultivars, as well as among the three locations. However, several individuals sampled showed outcrossing with modern cultivars. These isolated populations need further characterization for useful traits and should be protected for their unique genetic and cultural significance.