RAPID: SAFEGUARDING AMERICA�S NATIVE NUT TREE: CLIMATE-SMART PRACTICES TO REDUCE HURRICANE RISK IN PECAN

The long-term goal of this research is to develop evidenced-based strategies to promote climate resilience in pecan orchards of the U.S. The overall objective is to use new information on wind risk to inform the development of hurricane mitigation guidelines for pecan growers. Bothtree properties and site factors influence susceptibility of pecan orchards to wind. Preliminary data suggeststhat wind susceptibility is sensitive to tree size. We propose three specific objectives:Objective 1: Identify tree-level factors that determine wind susceptibility in pecan. Our working hypothesis is that wind susceptibility first decreases, then increases with tree size. This is based on findings in natural forests and our aforementioned data in young pecan orchards demonstrating that wind risk is reduced at diameters >15 cm.Objective 2: Identify how site selection influences wind susceptibility. Our working hypothesis is that wind susceptibility will be highest in heavier soils, poorly-drained landscape positions, and more exposed sites, and adjacent to open fields.Objective 3: Connect pecan growers with updated wind mitigation guidelines. In collaboration with stakeholders, we will produce an outreach video on wind mitigation strategies based on the findings from Obj. 1-2. To maximize reach, we will produce blogs and briefs distributed through the Georgia and Southeastern Pecan Growers Associations.