2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The general objective of this cooperative research project is to solve production and protection associated problems that are most limiting or threatening to the viability or profitability of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) husbandry in the desert environment of the southwestern United States. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Improved production and protection tools and strategies will be developed based on field and laboratory based studies. Commercial orchards will be used to assess arthropod (focusing on aphids, casebearer, shuckworm, and weevil), water (focusing on use efficiency, timing, and ground water quality), and nutritional (focusing on N, K, Zn) factors affecting nut yields and profitability. Data will be integrated with existing knowledge and art to devise new or improved horticultural or pest management tools that solve production and protection problems of importance to southwestern U.S. farmers. Efforts will include biological and insecticidal control of arthropods, development of water management models, cycling of nitrogen and its loss into groundwater, establishment of foliar based standards for mineral nutrients, and improving soil management strategies to solve water and mineral nutrition associated problems. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement, "Southwestern Pecan Research," (SCA 58-6606-5-246), with New Mexico State University. Additional details of research can be found in the report of parent project 6606-21220-009-00D, Pecan Cultivation and Disease Management. A multiple year study on development of practical orchard methods to correct tree zinc deficiency by soil application of Zn was continued. Zinc uptake from alkaline soils is a major problem. Several different Zn sources were applied via soil banding, with subsequent monitoring of tree canopy nutrition. A preliminary report was made to the Western Irrigated Pecan Growers Association regarding strategies to manage orchard Zn nutrition. The field study continues during FY2008. Activities of this SCA were monitored via one site visit, one meeting, and several phone calls and e-mails.